ASM Clermont Auvergne director of rugby Franck Azéma feels his side have been rewarded for their efforts in this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup by reaching their fourth final – and now he wants them to round everything off by lifting the title for a third time.

Having equalled Ospreys’ 2016-17 pool stage record of 30 points from six matches, they defeated Northampton Saints 61-38 in the quarter-finals and Harlequins 32-27 in the semi-finals to qualify for a meeting with first-time finalists La Rochelle at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park on Friday night.

“Right from the start [of the season] together we have respected this competition,” Azéma insisted. “Everyone has done their job.

“The story of this European campaign is that we have been on a journey that now allows us to have the right to contest this final. We want to win it and we have the hunger to achieve a record. We know that there is this opportunity there now.”

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One of the stars of Clermont’s unbeaten European run has been their 22-year-old French international wing, Damian Penaud, who has scored four tries in five appearances, including a hat-trick in the quarter-final, when he was named man of the match.

“A final is a final, no matter what the competition or the opposition,” he said. “It’s the culmination of this European campaign and we must turn up. We have many leaders who are there to bring calm to our preparations.”

Flanker Alexandre Lapandry acknowledged that Clermont will be regarded as favourites to win, since they are two places and 16 points ahead of La Rochelle in the TOP 14, as well as having many players who have experienced the big stage.

However, he pointed out: “Experience is knowing that one can be favourites and first all season without it being certain. We are assuming the status, but don’t count on us lacking humility or determination.”