Clermont Auvergne reached the semi-finals of the European Champions Cup with a resounding 37-5 victory over Northampton Saints at the Stade Marcel Michelin.
The Top 14 side boasted an impressive home record in the continent's premier club competition and they showed no sign of relinquishing that long unbeaten run after running in three tries before the interval.
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After taking a fourth-minute lead with a Brock James penalty, Clermont quickly increased their advantage when Noa Nakaitaci crossed over the whitewash.
The Fijian-born winger scored his second try of the game on the half-hour mark as Northampton, without Welsh international George North, struggled to get a foothold in the game.
With the interval approaching, Clermont effectively made sure of a place in the last four when centre Wesley Fofana touched down to give the hosts a 27-0 lead.
The Saints had little chance of a comeback and that hope was quickly washed away in the French rain when ex-Bath full-back Nick Abendanon collected a loose ball from a broken-down attack before running 80 metres to score.
Northampton did get a consolation score when Alex Waller bundled over in the corner to reduce the arrears to 37-5, but Clermont eased into the semi-finals.
Les Jaunards will face the winner of Sunday's quarter-final between Racing Metro and Saracens in the last four.
Chris O'Keefe
