Montpellier played their first season in the H Cup and has nothing to be ashamed off. 1 win, 2 draws, and three defeats away from home, for an introduction into the very highest of European Elite a good first showing, but also a massive learning curve in experience.

The match against Leinster at the RDS was an exercise in defending most of the 80 mins. with very few occasions to attack but that was expected, especially in front of an 18,000 strong Irish home crowd who are only silent during conversions or penalties, something that the French supporters could learn, its not difficult to be quiet for just a few minutes!!

The match itself showed the dominance of a Leinster who had already qualified for a home ¼ final tie in this seasons H Cup, they were not going to give Montpellier an inch and put the visitors under immense pressure throughout the game, but that was to be expected the other 2 teams in the pool, Bath and Glasgow had 45 points scored against them in Ireland, so Montpellier did well to loose by only 25-3, and have just 3 tries scored against them, Leinster did not get their bonus point.

The Friday evening before the big game saw the Montpellier Partners and Sponsors take on an Old Belvedere XV, with the added interest of Fabien Galthie, Boulette, and Renaud all making excellent appearances, Renaud scoring a magnificent try under the sticks for the Montpellier XV to win the game 7-0, there was also an appearance of Patrick Chenery (ex 2nd row for Montpellier in the 90,s), he looked as though he may have bulked up just for this game, once a rugby player always a rugby player!!! 

The next game is on Friday evening against Stade Francais KO. 20.45, a game Montpellier must win if they are to keep looking for top 6 qualification and next seasons H Cup participation.

 

Steve Whittell.