ASM Clermont Auvergne struck first blood in Leicester Tigers' qualifying pool in the Heineken Cup with a bonus-point win over Viadana on Saturday afternoon.
French Top 14 finalists Clermont scored five tries in a 36-18 victory on home soil, stretching out after holding a 17-9 advantage at half-time.
French Top 14 finalists Clermont scored five tries in a 36-18 victory on home soil, stretching out after holding a 17-9 advantage at half-time.
Former Saracens wing Brent Russell scored twice, with prop Vincent Debaty, lock Thibaut Privat and Heineken man of the match Seremaia Bai adding the other tries. France international scrum-half Morgan Parra kicked three conversions and a penalty, and replacement Brock James added the other three points.
Centre Garry Law and full-back Pierre Hola shared the Viadana points with three penalties each.
Viadana host Tigers next Saturday in Round Two of this season’s competition.
