Montpellier offered a breath of fresh air by snatching a victory (22-16) at the expense of Clermont, stopped in its tracks, Friday at GGL Stadium at the opening of the 18th day of Top 14.
Thanks to this sixth success of the season, the third in four meetings, Philippe Saint-André’s team consolidated 11th place and temporarily moved away from Pau and Bayonne, their direct competitors in the race to maintain.
The MHR was also reassured by obtaining at home a benchmark success before the deadlines against Toulouse, Toulon, Bordeaux and La Rochelle.
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Clermont wasted a great opportunity to seize second place and put pressure on the first two, Toulouse and La Rochelle, by letting slip at the end of the match a try from Sébastien Bézy, refused for a forward (77th ) and a penalty from Camille Lopez.
Montpellier goes on, Clermont stalls
Franck Azéma’s team, announced next July at the helm of the MHR, is slowing down its good momentum of three consecutive successes (Lyon, Agen, Bayonne), but is sure to preserve 4th place.
With the international Anthony Bouthier, tenured at the back position, and the entry into play of the second row Paul Willemse after the break, Montpellier won in the “money-time” after losing several matches in the last moments since the start of the season.
Philippe Saint-André’s team got away with the efficiency of their opening half and English scorer Alex Lozowski, author of 17 points including three successful penalties in the last quarter of an hour.
Courageous, united and strong in defense, Montpellier displayed a remarkable state of mind and negotiated the first period well to lead thanks to a test from international back Anthony Bouthier (10th).
Clermont regained the advantage just before the break (10-13). After the Hérault third line Yacouba Camara failed to register a second try, Clermont scored on an attack led by the Moala center and completed by the international winger Alivereti Raka (39).
Montpellier perfectly corrected its concerns in melee, obtained several penalties and ended up snatching its victory thanks to the efficiency of Lozowski.
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