Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

Montpellier late show sinks Clermont, Stade pummelled by Pau

Montpellier’s Nemani Nadolo

Clermont Auvergne’s hopes of qualifying for the Top 14 play-offs were dented in dramatic fashion as they were beaten 30-29 by Montpellier thanks to a last-gasp converted try.

ADVERTISEMENT

Nemani Nadolo powered over for a score that was confirmed by the video referee in the 79th minute and Ruan Pienaar held his nerve to split the posts for a match-clinching conversion.

Montpellier return to the top of the table as a result, but Clermont remain well adrift of the top six having again failed to transfer their European Champions Cup form to the domestic league.

A spectacular finish from Mali Hingano had looked set to earn last year’s Top 14 winners and Champions Cup runners-up victory on Sunday, the replacement diving over a pile of bodies for his side’s second try.

Greig Laidlaw converted both and also added five penalties, but Montpellier – who had crossed twice in the first half through Louis Picamoles – stole victory after piling on the pressure late on.

Struggling Stade Francais suffered a 40-5 thrashing at home to Pau in Greg Cooper’s final game in charge of the capital club.

It was announced earlier this month that Cooper would return to New Zealand for personal reasons, the former All Black subsequently citing his daughter’s ill health.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Mentally, we were not there,” said Stade skipper Sergio Parisse. “It’s our responsibility. We do not look for an excuse.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING 'It's an All Black discussion': The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys The pair of young Hurricanes tipped for black jerseys
Search