Clermont Auvergne 24 Northampton Saints 7: Tom Vickers' review and player ratings
Back in April 2015, Jim Mallinder's men, who would go on to top the Aviva Premiership during that season, were brutally beaten 37-5 by the Clermont Auvergne giants in a one-sided Champions Cup quarter-final.
It appeared to be men against boys as Saints were swallowed up by the relentless fervour of the home fans and totally overwhelmed by wave after wave of blue and yellow pressure.
But this was nothing like that.
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Hide AdThis time it was Saints calling the tune for large spells of the game.
They bossed possession, having 63 per cent of the ball, and territory, earning 69 per cent.
They made double the amount of carries of Clermont, nearly double the metres, seven more defenders beaten, 11 more offloads.
It was quite an incredible set of statistics for a team that lost 24-7.
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Hide AdBut the reason Saints suffered such a defeat was their failure to take their chances.
Time and again they coughed up possession in the final third against a teak-tough Clermont rearguard.
It was frustrating for the travelling army of fans to watch as they will have felt their team deserved so much more.
They didn't get the rub of the green with referee Ben Whitehouse, who, at times, bamboozled with his decision making and failure to be decisive.
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Hide AdBut ultimately Saints know they could have taken the official out of the game by being less profligate.
Clermont deserve credit for their defensive effort and their ruthless streak, taking every opportunity that came their way, and even some that didn't.
That the Top 14 champions grabbed a try bonus point says a lot for their finishing ability and for Saints switching off for brief moments.
But you could understand how it happened as Mallinder's men were putting in so much effort at the other end of the pitch.
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Hide AdThe scrum also hampered Saints as Clermont, who have enjoyed a mixed season so far, ruled that area with an iron grip.
But it didn't prevent a plethora of Northampton attacks.
Unlike in 2015, they will have felt they deserved far more than they got.
But just like in 2015, the defeat could prove hugely costly to their Champions Cup hopes.
Back then, it was fatal as they fell at the last eight hurdle.
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Hide AdThis time, it will have to be some run to race into the knock-out stages.
Saints still have a sniff, but to make it any more than that, they will have to be far more clinical than they were on this visit to Clermont.
How they rated...
HARRY MALLINDER
Made one eye-catching break during the first half and didn't do too much wrong from full-back... 6
BEN FODEN
Was stopped agonisingly short of the line during the first half and didn't get any other opportunities to make his mark... 6
NAFI TUITAVAKE
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Hide AdCame up with some useful carries and wasn't out of place on a rare start at centre... 6
LUTHER BURRELL
Tried to turn on the power, but was met by some resilient Clermont defending that stopped him having a bigger impact... 6
TOM COLLINS
Another good experience for the talented wing as he tried to find ways around Clermont, but ultimately he couldn't... 6
PIERS FRANCIS
Put in a good shift defensively, racking up the tackles and also looked to create at every opportunity... 7
NIC GROOM
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Hide AdA fairly sparky showing from the scrum-half, who frantically tried to help Saints move Clermont's big men around... 7
ALEX WALLER
Looked strong in open play, showing no shortage of desire, but Saints had a tough time in the scrum... 6
DYLAN HARTLEY
Unlucky not to be awarded a try and his sin-binning came at an inopportune time for Saints... 6
JAMAL FORD-ROBINSON
Had a really tough time in the scrum during the first half and was taken off at half-time as Saints sought extra stability... 4
API RATUNIYARAWA
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Hide AdCarried superbly into contact, refusing to let go of the ball and providing a platform for attacks... 8
CHRISTIAN DAY
Grabbed a consolation try and never gave up as he desperately tried to inspire a comeback... 7
COURTNEY LAWES
Yet another huge display from the England star as he carried Saints forward time and again... 8
TOM WOOD
Made his first start since the opening day of the season and produced plenty of effort around the park... 6
TEIMANA HARRISON - CHRON STAR MAN
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Hide AdAn indefatigable display from the No.8, who fought for every inch against the Clermont giants... 8
Replacements (who played more than 20 minutes)
KIERAN BROOKES (for Ford-Robinson 40)
Was hit by a second-half sin-binning but did manage to make a positive impact, carrying really well... 6