Australian five-eighth Brock James kicked a last-minute drop goal as Clermont overcame a 12-point halftime deficit to beat Stade Francais 28-25 and move into second spot in the French Top 14 on Friday.

James, a second-half replacement for David Skrela, kept his composure after Australian compatriot Paul Warwick had failed to clear for Stade.

It was James' second drop goal of the half as Clermont took their unbeaten home run to 47 matches, a record which stretches back to November 2009.

"We lost it right at the end," said Stade skipper Pascal Pape. "But Brock James is Brock James and he killed us in the second half."