French Top 14 round three: Montpellier maintains form in win over Perpignan
Montpellier was able to claw past Perpignan on the road in Stade Aime-Giral over the weekend.
Montpellier was able to pull out a tough win on the road against Perignan on Saturday. The match started out slow with Perpignan taking a thin three-point lead into half-time. Montpellier was able to knot the game up early and then took over after the 50th minute scoring late in a 16-6 defensive contest.
Recap
Perpignan opened the scoring with a penalty in the 13th minute from fly-half Kevin Boulogne giving the home side a 3-0 advantage.
Winger Martin Bustos Moyanna was able to bring the game back to even for Montpellier in the 17th minute with a penalty.
In an incredibly defensive half, in which neither team could find a breakthrough, it was a second penalty from Boulogne in the 35th minute that gave Perpignan a 6-3 lead going into half-time.
After the break, full-back Benjamin Thiery quickly tied the match back up in the 41st minute with a drop-goal.
Ten minutes later Bustos Moyanna claimed the lead for the visitors for the first time with a penalty, making it 9-6.
The game fell silent for some time afterwards, as once again both teams settled into defensive rugby. The stand-off was finally broken when Francois Trinh-Duc pushed his way over the whitewash in the 72nd minute. Bustos Moyanna kicked the conversion to seal the 16-6 victory for Montpellier.
The game was extremely defensive as neither side was able to put together a strong offensive game plan. Montpellier’s decision to rest their usual starter Francois Trinh-Duc could have played a major role in their in ability to get on the scoreboard. Trinh-Duc was subbed on in the game’s 46th minute and although it took some time, was responsible for the only try in the match.
Analysis
Montpellier continues to fall flat on offence, but has put together a strong enough defensive game to emerge victorious in tight competitions. Now sitting in fourth spot they may be able to work their way to the top of the league table if they maintain their game plan.
Perpignan had a terrific opening match victory and since then has been rather underwhelming. After losing their last two matches Perpignan now sits in 12th spot at one-and-two; they will have to work hard on the practice pitch in order to find their form from round one, if they hope to get out of the basement.
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