Saracens have thrashed last year's beaten finalists Clermont Auvergne 46-6 to secure a place in the final of this season's Heineken Cup.

After an early try from Chris Ashton gave the home side the lead, the French team were reduced to 14 men for a spell when Brock James was sent to the sin bin for deliberately knocking the ball into touch, which also saw Saracens awarded a penalty try.

Ashton added a second after the break and his 11th of the tournament, tying the record for most tries in a Heineken Cup campaign by a single player.

Further tries from Chris Wyles and Tim Streather inside the final 10 minutes ended any hopes of a comeback for the visitors.

Saracens will face either defending champions Toulon or Munster in the final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff next month.