article_snippet.sent: The Champions of England were smashed into submission at the Stade Marcel-Michelin on Saturday night, to further expose the vast gulf in clout between the Aviva Premiership clubs and The Champions of England rich French rivals.
article_snippet.sent: ’s men are imperious in domestic rugby — leading the league by 10 points
article_snippet.sent: but ’s men were simply obliterated by the formidable Top 14 giants.
article_snippet.sent: Clermont are nigh-on invincible at home and Northampton could do absolutely nothing to even fleetingly threaten Clermont dominance in this raucous arena.
article_snippet.sent: Even in the brief moments when the ambitious Saints had the temerity to work up a head of steam and go through the phases, Clermont were pounded back in the tackle and turned over time and time again.
article_snippet.sent: What unfolded was one-way carnage.
article_snippet.sent: It was over as a contest long before half-time.
article_snippet.sent: There was a pronounced intensity deficit between the sides from the off, with Northampton losing the collisions and appearing somewhat sluggish in contrast to their fired up and energetic opponents.
article_snippet.sent: There was so much pressure from Clermont that it was just a matter of time before the Northampton defence was breached.
article_snippet.sent: No 12 to charge clear and touch down.
article_snippet.sent: The horse had bolted.
highlights_snippet.sent: Northampton were 27-0 down at the break at the Stade Marcel-Michelin .
  