In a sensational Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final at Stade Charlety the Parisians capitalised on a string of errors from the visitors to hang on to a game that threatened to run away from them at any time.

Two interception tries, by wings Julien Arias and Guillaume Bousses, enabled Stade to make it eight wins in a row in the Amlin Challenge Cup this season and move on to their third European final.

The other two, both in the Heineken Cup, were lost, but now Sergio Parisse's men have the chance to shoot for a major title in the Welsh capital next month and guarantee themselves Heineken Cup rugby next season.

The Amlin Challenge Cup winners automatically qualify for the Heineken Cup and, given their poor league season in the Top 14, it remains the only way for them to return to the top table in Europe.

Stade outside half Lionel Beauxis helped himself to 19 points to steer his side to victory, and claim the Man of the Match award, and his five penalties punished the visitors' for their repeated indiscretions.

Beauxis and Morgan Parra swapped penalties at the start before Clermont full back Tusiata Pisi rounded off a near length of the field move with the game's first try. Parra added the conversion and Clermont were ahead.

But then came the first interception try as Brent Russell missed his back line and handed straight to Arias 60 metres out. Beauxis added the conversion to level matters at 10-10, but the home side were nine points ahead at the interval thanks to three more penalties from their outside half.

But Clermont hit back after the break with a Parra penalty and a thrilling kick and chase try from Russell which his half-back partner converted. That gave Clermont the lead at 20-19 after 50 minutes, but moments later Beauxis knocked over another penalty to put Stade back in front.

Then disaster struck for Clermont, and Russell, once again as his pass went to ground and Bousses picked up and raced 45 metres to score at the posts. The conversion from Beauxis was a formality and it was uphill from there on in.

Jamie Cudmore romped over for a Clermont try with four minutes to go, but the visitors failed to find the finish they were looking for.