CLERMONT, even though they, too, have endured traumatic ends to their seasons in recent years through unexpected failure, have returned to the top of their form.
Forgotten now the two defeats that raised fears of yesteryear, they ran in nine tries in a thumping 65-13 victory over Pau.
And, if you were tempted to say it might have been expected, you had only to look at an unbeaten run during which Pau won eight and drew one to give them hope for a major finish.
English backs David Strettle and Nick Abendanon, still influential with the superstar club, once again showed their enduring class. ...