LIVE: DHL Stormers v ASM Clermont Auvergne

The DHL Stormers make their Heineken Champions Cup debut in Clermont-Ferrand in France today, where they are up against ASM Clermont Auvergne. Follow all the action live here with our regular updates.

It is bitterly cold at the Stade Marcel Michelin where the DHL Stormers are in for a serious test. Centre Dan du Plessis has been ruled out with illness. Damian Willemse shifts to inside centre and Clayton Blommetjies will start at fullback, with Angelo Davids coming onto the bench.

0 – We have kick-off at a chilly Stade Marcel Michelin. Home team knock-on so we have a scrum.

2 – Good pressure but Clermont get the kick away. Late charge from Ruhan Nel, so they can clear it.

4 – We are blown up at the line-out and Plisson kicks at goal but he misses.

6 – Both teams looking to run it early in an open game. Raka puts a foot in touch near halfway.

8 – Dixon on for Van Rhyn and puts in a high tackle, which sees him sent off with a yellow card.

10 – Kicking battle won and we have a line-out just outside the 22.

12 – Penalty in front of the poles and Manie Libbok puts it through to give us the lead.

15 – Fourie blown up at the breakdown and Clermont kick to the corner.

18 – The home side draw level with a penalty of their own and we are back to 15.

21 – Another three points from Manie’s boot gives us the lead back at 6-3.

25 – DHL Stormers make their way upfield and win a penalty to put themselves in the 22.

28 – The maul works like a charm as Deon Fourie piles over for the first try of the match to make it 11-3.

30 – Clermont with some momentum now and they kick to the corner as the crowd get into it.

32- Clermont with a penalty again and they maul, but go offside so we can clear.

34 – Another penalty and we go into the 22.

35 – The scoreboard keeps ticking. This time it is Clayton Blommetjies with the three points to make it 14-3.

38 – Great line-out steal on the 22, but Clermont get it back. They go right up to the tryline, but Deon Fourie makes a crucial turnover.

40 – Half-time in Clermont and we take an 11-point lead into the break.

42 – Back underway in Clermont. Great defence on the 22 but a knock-on means Clermont have a scrum.

44 – We turn it over again but then knock it on again. Still on the 22.

48 – The home team come up with a try in the corner from fullback Alex Newsome to bring them back within striking distance at 14-10.

50 – Clermont win a high ball and burst into the 22 on the counter. A cross-kikc goes into touch in the corner.

53 – Both teams kicking for position and we are forced to defend again. We go offside and Plisson kicks another penalty to make it a one-point game.

56 – Great scramble defence under pressure forces a knock-on, so we have a scrum on the 22.

58 – Clermont keep coming as they gather a chip kick and then go wide. Foot in touch in the 22, but we remain under pressure.

63 – A try in the corner gives the home side the lead for the first time in the game at 18-14. We need to dig deep here.

66 – Forward pass from Willemse so Clermont have a scrum inside their own half.

69 – Sandi is caught offside this time and Clermont kick to the corner again.

71 – Drop-goal from Jules Plisson means we are one converted try off heading into the last 10.

74 – Another penalty and another three points for Plisson make it 24-14.

77 – Davids brought down just short of the line and loses it. Clermont counter and go all the way into the 22.

80 – Full-time and the home side take a 24-14 win.