Clermont set up Top 14 final clash with Toulon

European Cup runners-up Clermont overpowered French Top 14 rugby champions Racing 92 37-31 on Saturday to set up a final showdown with Toulon next month in Paris. Reduced to 14 men after Flip van der Merwe was sent off on 41 minutes for a dangerous tackle, Clermont held on in Marseille to avenge their elimination in last year's semi-finals by the Parisians. A drop goal from Anthony Belleau with the last kick of the game gave Toulon a come from behind 18-15 win over 14-man La Rochelle in Marseille on Friday. Four tries laid the groundwork for Clermont's victory with Camille Lopez (27, 47) touching down twice and Damian Penaud (18) and Fritz Lee (64) also going over. Racing pushed hard late with three late tries -- a Chris Masoe double (70, 77) and Ben Tameifuna (81) -- with All Blacks legend Dan Carter kicking four penalties. "We suffered in the last ten minutes it's true but the score was already made," said Clermont coach Franck Azema. Azema said he knew immediately that van der Merwe would be sent off for his dangerous tackle on Teddy Thomas. "Philipp (Flip) knew it was a red card. But frankly the first half was rather successful. We made a good start, we managed to get the tempo going and scored quickly." Clermont play their second final this season after losing the European Cup title to Saracens in Edinburgh two weeks ago. "We deserve to play two finals because we have a group who give nothing away, who work tirelessly, who are conscientious," said Azema. "But we have a stage left. We're going to pull together, the third row has to gel, we're going to have a look at that, but that's just the season taking its toll." It was the final game in a chaotic season for Racing on and off the pitch with Carter arrested for drink driving, former All Black Ali Williams sacked after being arrested for buying cocaine, and an aborted merger plan with Stade Français. "We can look back on the strength of character of this team to be here, but it was impossible to be champion with the level we posted today," said Racing captain Vincent Machenaud. "There is a lot of disappointment but we were up against a stronger team today. This season was the most exhausting, mentally and physically for everyone." Clermont -- winners in 2010 -- beat Toulon 29-9 in their last meeting in this year's European Cup quarter-finals in April. Toulon, who won the last of their four Top 14 titles in 2014, beat Clermont in the final of the European Cup in 2013 and 2015.