A title somewhat bizarre for a game of rugby but the “HAPPY FEET”, are those of a Francois Trinh-Duc giving probably his best performance of this season in Fridays clash of the giants against the inform TOP 14 team Stade Francais, and a week before the 6 Nations opener against Italy, not only is the no.10 from Montpellier in superb form but his timing is second to none.

11,604 is not a bad crowd for a Friday game in Montpellier as 11,600 were probably supporting the home side. After  a disappointing loss in the final H Cup game of the season for Montpellier, the boys wanted to show that they were keen to climb into one of those exclusive top 6 places, but to do that victory had to be seized with both hands, and that Montpellier did, but in no ordinary fashion.

The first half was a torrid affair of massive hits from both sides but it was obvious to all that Stade Francais had not come to play attacking rugby, as the only thing that Contepomi could offer was a serious of Gary Owens every time he got his hands on the ball.

Dupuy first then Martin Bustos Moyano exchanged penalties with Martin getting another one in the 32min. to give Montpellier a slender 6-3 advantage.

One minute before half time Dupuy missed a penalty, Francois Trinh-Duc quickly created a super drop start from the 22 straight into the hands of the Fijian TGV, Jimmy Nagusa who slalomed his way around numerous Parisians who were caught in between siesta and slumber, the ball then went to Combezous then Capt Fantastique, Ouedraogo, on to Bustos Moyano who rounded the last defender to plant the pig skin firmly between the sticks, he then added the extras himself. Possibly the try of the season we shall have to wait for that verdict. Montpellier went into the pause 13-3 to the better.

The second half was uncork the Champagne and play the style that Montpellier love FAST, FURIOUS and AGGRESSIVE, Stade Francais did not know what had hit them they thought they had left the TGV, in the station on their arrival in Montpellier, WRONG.!!!  Montpellier was the new TGV, and the Parisians could only stand and watch, but they did try and referee the game with Dupuy, Parisse and especially Mon. Roncero in constant dialogue with the man in the middle who also played about as well as the boys from the Capital.

Martin Bustos Moyano added another penalty giving Montpellier a 16-6 advantage, the home side Montpellier attacked relentlessly and those Happy Feet came into play again Trinh-Duc chipped a wonderful kick for Paul Bosch to pounce on and go over unchallenged, MBM added the extras. Alex Tulou had the perfect bonus point try disallowed, even the opposition coach thought Montpellier had scored, and the second Montpellerian try refused by a very inconsistent Mon Rebollal. 

The supporters were now in Corrida mode baying for the blood of the Parisians and that bonus point, which Montpellier deserved but was still to be obtained, and along came Happy Feet again, this time a chip kick for Jimmy Nagusa to make him the club’s top try scorer with 6, well for the moment, Alex Tulou on 5 will continue to keep the Flying Fijian on his toes.

The final nail in the coffin was a loose ball picked up by Benoit Paillaugue who sent MBM. over for his second try of the evening and a points total of 26, Benoit Paillaugue added the extras, the Ref blow for full time and the Montpellier players rejoiced, a deserved victory but in magnificent fashion, all are to be congratulated a massive team performance with individuals, especially Trinh-Duc (happy feet) Amorosino and Mamuka Gorgodze playing an heroic part, but everyone on that park this Friday evening contributed in both attack and defence, also good to see Juan Figallo and Aliki Fakate back wearing the colours. 

Next week there is a break for all, and the next game is at home on Friday 10 Feb. ko 19.00 against USAP, a derby that is already making the mouth water. 

 

Steve Whittell. 

 

Pitch side interview with MBM.

 

SW. Martin what a victory, 4 tries to zero for Montpellier and 2 tries and 26 points for you.

 

MBM. Yes that was enjoyable, last week was very tough for us and we wanted to show in front of our home crowd what and who we really are, this week we trained really hard for this game and the confidence levels were high. The points are great, but it takes an effort from all the team and tonight the effort was there.

 

SW. We did not qualify for the H Cup but now we have to press on for that top 6 place this has to be our goal for the rest of the season.

 

MBM. Without a doubt now we have only that left, but we did gain an enormous amount of experience from our first H Cup adventure and I am sure it has helped most of the boys, and consolidated even more the team. We must now go looking for points at every game starting in 2 weeks time with Perpignan at home every game will be important if we want to experience the same as last season but it will take a lot of hard work.

 

SW. Thanks Martin go join the boys for a deserved lap of honour.

 

Pitch side interview with Drickus Hancke.

 

SW. A special presentation tonight for your 163 appearance, not bad for an old man.

 

DH. Less of the old man, tonight the presentation from our President was the icing on the cake, after what was a great result. Last week we did not turn up and tonight we wanted to show who we really are, sometimes things just click and tonight that was the case, a difficult first half until that fantastic first try then we ran riot. 

 

SW.  You seem to have been around for years now.

 

DH Yes I have been at the club for a while, but not as long as some like Julien and Joan who were also included in tonight’s presentation party, but you only remember the good times and tonight was one of them, Stade are serious contenders for that top 6 and we out played them completely in the 2nd half and I think the tries will look good next week on the video.

 

SW. That was a nine point game tonight

 

DH. Exactly they are direct contenders for the top 6 and to get 5 points while they went home with nothing was definitely a bonus and we had to prove firstly to ourselves and then the supporters who we are, and tonight we did just that.

 

SW. I think Montpellier were up for this game tonight.

 

DH. Without a doubt after the disappointment of last week we needed a good result tonight, we got it in style and now can look forward to a little break before Perpignan next week, but we must not get ahead of ourselves as every match is difficult and the points we need are getting harder and harder to gain so a little holiday then back into concentration mode for that next match, if we continue working like this the results will come.

 

SW. Cheers Drickus go join the rest of the boys and congratulations on your efforts for Montpellier.

 

Steve Whittell.