Heineken Cup: Rougerie stars as Clermont see off Saracens

Owen Farrell's Saracen side succumbed to a 22-3 defeat by Clermont The Sport Review

Australian Brock James kicked the points – and France centre Aurelien Rougerie ran the show – as Clermont Auvergne made light work of booking their Heineken Cup semi-final berth by brushing off Saracens 22-3 on Sunday.

After replacing David Skrela after just three minutes James produced an imperious display with the boot, kicking 17 points to send the French side into the last four.

Wales full-back Lee Byrne crossed for the only try of the game for Clermont, a score made by the power and guile of Rougerie.

England’s Six Nations kicking hero Owen Farrell kicked Sarries’ only points in a game dominated by James’ boot, and some stoic defending from the French outfit.

Elsewhere Ruan Pienaar was the star of the show as Ulster upset their RaboDirect PRO12 rivals Munster 22-16 to book themselves a spot in the Heineken Cup’s last four and a clash with Edinburgh.

The South African World Cup-winning scrum half kicked 14 impressive points as Ulster survived a fightback from their Irish rivals to take the win.

A try from Simon Zebo and 11 points from the boot of Ronan O’Gara seemingly set up a grandstand finish for Munster in the second half.

But stirling work from the Ulster defence – led by man-of-the-match Stephen Ferris – ultimately saw them home.

© Sportsbeat 2012