Sharks sink Clermont to book Challenge Cup final spot

The Sharks booked their place in the Challenge Cup final after striking with a late try to topple Clermont 32-21 at The Stoop.

The 71st-minute score was made possible by Eben Etzebeth successfully challenging for a kick, with the South Africans' attack then clicking into gear.

A superb off-load from Vincent Tshituka found Lukhanyo Am and he drew the last defender before providing Springboks team-mate Makazole Mapimpi with a simple run in.

The Sharks, who were 31-18 down heading into the final quarter, had Aphelele Fassi in the sin bin when Mapimpi pounced and still needed Siya Masuku to nail a tricky conversion to win.

If the Sharks beat Gloucester or Benetton (3pm) in the final they would also qualify for next season's Champions Cup and reduce the URC's qualifying spots to the top seven.

Connacht and Ulster currently occupy sixth and seventh place, respectively, in the URC with three rounds remaining. The Sharks are 13th and cannot finish in the top eight.

Cherished Croke Park memories - Rugby returns to Jones' Road on Saturday as Leinster take on Northampton in a Champions Cup semi-final.