FRENCH COLUMN

DAVID BARNES

Marksman: Greg Laidlaw kicked 20 points for Clermont
PICTURE: Getty Images

Clermont, whose last outing took place in the Land of the Rising Sun, returned to find their own star still burning bright.
While others were on holiday, they won an ambassadorial game in Japan.
And, when the more serious action resumed yesterday, they beat Bordeaux-Begles 40-15 to reclaim their place astride the Top 14.
With a real chance of keeping the leadership away from Toulouse, whose troops, depleted by their absent French internationals, visit a strong Racing side today.
Bord...