Clermont finished sixth in the table after one game, while Leinster sat top with five points from their opening fixture. The match took place on Saturday 17 October 2026, with Leinster securing a 48-23 win in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Leinster's recent form showed some vulnerability — losses to the Sharks and Lions in their last three outings — but they found another gear when it mattered. Clermont had been competitive against Bordeaux Bègles and Stade Rochelais in their previous two matches, losing both by narrow margins. The visitors ended a barren spell against top opposition with this performance.
We had backed Clermont ahead of kick-off, running at 73 per cent confidence, but the match went another way. What shifted things was Leinster's ability to control territory and finish their moves when the hosts were still settling into shape. The old head settled them down when the game tightened, and they have one foot in the next round of fixtures.
The scoreboard tells a simple story: 48 points for Leinster, 23 for Clermont. The goal difference now sits at +25 for the visitors and -25 for the hosts after one round. Both teams remain unbeaten in their last five meetings against lower-ranked opposition, but this result changes something in the group.
Clermont's recent results showed promise — a 20-6 win over Castres and a 25-16 victory against Stade Français Paris — but they will need to find a way through against teams that can match them physically. Leinster's 29-5 demolition of Cardiff Rugby earlier in October suggested they were building momentum, and they came for a cross they never reached today.
The standings mean little after one game, but the gap between first and sixth place is already five points. Leinster will make life awkward for those chasing them if they maintain this level. Clermont have hit a wall, and the pitch cut up badly for their forward pack when the visitors turned the screw.
