15. Charles Piutau – 6
Solid as ever early on and did brilliantly to win the ball in the air, which subsequently led to MacGinty putting Bristol ahead.
Like many of his back colleagues couldn’t get involved offensively as he would have liked and when he knocked a high ball on deep in the second half it looked to sum up an indifferent night for the full-back.
14. Siva Naulago – 5
Couldn’t get involved for virtually all the game. The winger is a huge asset when used correctly but the Bears failed to find him and he only had four carries, 60 minutes in.
He then made a schoolboy error looking to see the ball dead and Penaud picked his pocket diving on the ball for his second to all-but end the contest.
13. Semi Radradra – 6
A night cut short for the Fijian. Looked dynamic as ever in both attack and defence, including a mouth-watering tackle in midfield.
Then finished off a try only to pull up in the process of scoring and was withdrawn at half-time in a big blow to Pat Lam’s side.
12. James Williams – 7
Has settled in nicely to the side and once again showed what he can do.
Got rocked by a dismal Fritz Lee tackle but didn’t deter the centre who then set the game alight with a brilliant break before teeing up Radradra for an excellent try.
Couldn’t land a penalty from distance to restore his side’s lead and then compounded his mistake catching his man high to give Anthony Belleau an easy three points.
One of few Bristol players who had an impact and can be pleased with his showing.
11. Gabriel Ibitoye – 5
Had limited ball in the first period but showed one or two nice touched when called upon.
Switched to outside centre at half-time and started sloppily, knocking on with the Bears in good attacking position.
Looked out of sorts at 13, perhaps understandably, but it cost Bristol on more than one occasion with passes going to floor.
10. AJ MacGinty – 6
Has been in good form recently, but started nervously, sending a kick out on the full to gift the visitors territory.
However, settled down and kicked two penalties with ease to keep the scoreboard ticking but then produced a sloppy cross-field kick which again went into touch and gifted territory to Clermont, leading to Penaud’s try.
Off the tee did well and did his best in attack without the same execution as in recent weeks.
9. Harry Randall – 7
Made a real difference in recent weeks and continued where he left off, his kicking game was pinpoint early on and his up and under allowed Bristol to advance deep into the Clermont 22, which led to a penalty and the first three points of the game.
The scrum half knows his way to the try-line, and he burrowed his way over five minutes from the break to get the Bears back in the game.
Couldn’t quite get things going when needed in the second half and perhaps will want his time again with the last play but did well on the whole and continues to be in fine form as the season draws to a close.
1. Ellis Genge – 7
Quieter than usual in the first period, reduced to a handful of carries but did show nice hands in the build up to the Radradra try.
The scrum was even for the majority of the first half but the international showed his quality to earn his side two penalties at the scrum which got them back in touch early in the second period.
Overall, a decent night’s work from the loose-head and he was replaced by Yann Thomas on 58 minutes.
2. Harry Thacker – 7
Omnipresent in attack and defence making a staggering amount of tackles, 17 in the first half alone.
Provided a threat in the loose but would have been disappointed to miss his man at the lineout when the Bears had a golden opportunity five metres out.
Perhaps would have been better mauling at the death rather than peeling off the back but couldn’t fault the effort making 22 tackles and missing none.
3. Kyle Sinckler – 6
Not the greatest of starts for the England prop having been penalised at the scrum, he was then pinged for not rolling away which allowed the visitors to draw level.
Then should have done better as Penaud ran through him and Chris Vui to score.
Showcased his handling ability on a couple of occasions but was largely quiet before being withdrawn just before the hour mark.
Although finished with an impressive tally of 13 tackles only missing one.
4. Magnus Bradbury – 5
Out of position but was as industrious as ever in the first period and earnt his side a vital turnover to quell any Clermont danger.
However, had a poor moment before the break, spilling the restart, which allowed Clermont to hit back immediately and take a crucial half-time lead.
Carried well making 29 metres from 10 carries and defended robustly missing no tackles from 12 attempts but his error ultimately proved telling as Bristol were knocked out.
5. Chris Vui – 5
Ill discipline has cost the Bears all season and the lock gave a poor penalty away at the lineout which invited Clermont into the hosts half.
Didn’t cover himself in glory moments later as Penaud barged him out the way with ease to race in underneath the posts and extend the visitors lead.
Apart from the missed tackled did alright in defence making 13 tackles but struggled in a physical battle and had little impact with the ball.
6. Steven Luatua – 6
Did okay at times in possession and linked play well at times but would have been disappointed with the ending as his side ultimately couldn’t convert.
One of the better forwards and continued to try to create opportunities and defensively sound making 12 tackles missing only the one. One of few forwards who acquitted themselves well.
7. Sam Jeffries – N/A
A head injury saw him withdrawn early.
Began brightly, making a great tackle in the kick chase to pin Clermont in.
However, was forced off with a knock to the head which would have been a big disappointment on European debut.
8. Fitz Harding – 6
Out of position at number eight and didn’t get involved much in possession only carrying five times which was indicative of some of the Bears’ struggled physically.
Is a superb defender and made 12 and missed none and was good around the ruck as always but ultimately didn’t have the impact he has had in recent weeks.
Replacements
17. Yann Thomas – 6
Replaced Genge on 58 minutes and did well making no errors and made all his five tackles and carried well when called upon. A decent cameo from the prop.
18. George Kloska – 5
On for Sinckler and like his colleague couldn’t quite get involved but produced a couple of carries with the Bears pressing late on but ultimately couldn’t impact proceedings how he would have liked.
20. Jake Heenan – 7
On inside seven minutes and competed well throughout. In a physical battle upfront the flanker made 17 tackles and although couldn’t quite have the same effect offensively it was a solid performance.
Also looked to have scored late on but sadly was ruled out by the TMO.
23. Ioan Lloyd – 5
Came on at half-time for the injured Radradra and once again was an outside back who couldn’t get involved in the game.
Had one decent carry but was another who cut a frustrated figure as Bristol struggled to get much going in the second half.
Not used: Will Capon, Charlie Rice, Andy Uren, Sam Bedlow
