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Exeter (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Montpellier, with a vastly overhauled team, had only half time left during the first day of the European Rugby Cup before logically breaking down on Saturday at Exeter (42–6).
In an excellent dynamic in the top 14, where it is currently third for a series of five consecutive wins, MHR has clearly not made Europe its priority this season.
It was enough, to be convinced, to see his initial XV, most of his officers – Mohamed Haus, Paul Willems, Kobus Reinach, Hendre Pollard, Vincent Ratze, Anthony Bouthier … – left to rest.
Montpellier coach Philippe Saint-Andre also took advantage of the start of this continental expedition to do some experiments.
Thus the usual prostitute Jeremy Mourouard was added back on the pitch after more than a year of absence due to repeated blows, along with Kylian Gallatier, in the third row.
Despite everything, the Hérault men held on to the 2020 European champions at half-time, returning to the locker room with only one point ahead (7-6), following a disastrous hook to Scottish international back Stuart Hogg. Thanks for a test.
Another Scotsman, second line Johnny Grey, quickly put an end to any mystery upon his return from the locker room after a well-organized maul, one of the team’s main properties in Devon, in the south of England.
The winner of the previous season’s European Challenge, the “small” European Cup, Montpellier did not score a single point in the second act, entirely to the advantage of the English, the winner with the offensive bonus.
Another strong opponent awaits the MHR next week: the quadruple European champions, Leinster, entered the competition in full swing with a big win against Bath (45-20).
© 2021 AFP
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