James' last-minute drop crowns Clermont fightback

Australian fly-half Brock James kicked a last-minute drop goal as Clermont overcame a 12-point half-time deficit to beat Stade Francais 28-25 and move into second spot in the French Top 14 on Friday. James, a second-half replacement for David Skrela, kept his composure after Australian compatriot Paul Warwick had failed to clear for Stade. It was James' second drop-goal of the half as Clermont took their unbeaten home run to 47 matches, a record which stretches back to November 2009. But it was hard going for Clermont who trailed 22-10 at the interval after being rocked by three tries -- from Wawrick in the first minute and a double from Fiji winger Waisea Vuidravuwalu before the 30-minute mark. Prop Thomas Domingo had scored Clermont's only try after nine minutes, converted by Morgan Parra who ended the match with 17 points thanks largely to five second-half penalties.