Nick Abendanon inspires Clermont Auvergne rout

Clermont Auvergne 27 Northampton Saints 5: Nick Abendanon hopes his stellar evening against Northampton has offered England additional reason to soften their stance on selecting overseas-based players.

Abendanon was spellbinding as Clermont cruised into the semi-finals of Europe by dismantling the Aviva Premiership champions and runaway leaders at a hostile Stade Marcel-Michelin.

The result was decided by half-time as Clermont, with a mixture of forward supremacy and three-quarter devilry, amassed a 27-0 lead. Wing Noa Nakaitaci claimed two tries and France team-mate Wesley Fofana and former Bath full-back Abendanon also crossed.