Perfect preparation for Clermont Auvergne

The 1999 and 2007 Challenge Cup winners secured a notable Top 14 scalp ahead of a mouth-watering encounter with the Welsh region that is likely to decide their European fate this season.

Vern Cotter's men faced the daunting task of taking on Toulouse at the Stade Toulousain on Sunday in a match that could have dented confidence in the lead up to their Round 5 match up with the Pool 3 leaders.

But, instead, Clermont left for home on a real high as a less than full-strength side secured a memorable 16-15 victory over the three-times Heineken Cup winners.

The visitors trailed by two scores in the first-half after tries from Shaun Sowerby and Vincent Clerc gave Toulouse a 15-3 lead but the boot of Seremaia Baï saw Clermont close the gap to six points at the break.

And with just over 10 minutes remaining, Clermont crossed for the crucial try through New Zealander Tasesa Lavea. Replacement scrum-half Morgan Parra duly added the match-winning conversion to give his side a huge boost ahead of their return to European competition.

The result sees Cotter's side move to the head of the Top 14 table after Amlin Challenge Cup outfit Castres were beaten 15-0 at Montpellier.