Harlequins' comeback bid falls short with 32-27 defeat against Clermont Auvergne

Clermont Auvergne 32-27 Harlequins, Clermont-Ferrand
Scorecard

Quins produced a valiant comeback in the final 20 minutes after trailing 32-8 but failed to stop Clermont Auvergne from setting up an all-French European Challenge Cup final with La Rochelle after going down 32-27 at the Stade Marcel Michelin.

Fritz Lee (31) and Damian Penaud (35) scored tries for the Top 14 side while Morgan Parra booted 16 points for the hosts alongside two early drop goals from Camille Lopez.

Despite tries from Mike Brown (38), Chris Robshaw (57), James Lang (65) and Alex Dombrandt (79), Quins could not complete a memorable comeback.

Quins regrouped and finished strongly at the death but it was too late to avoid defeat.

After surviving a late scare, Clermont will now face Sale's conquerors La Rochelle in an all-French final for the trophy at St James' Park on May 10.