Glasgow 15 – Montpellier 13
The Glasgow Warriors took a big step forward to the quarter-finals in beating Montpellier at Stade de la Mosson.
They didn’t score any tries but they kicked the first penalty goal and kept the lead for the whole game.
They prefer an open game but although they got the ball wide on occasion the defence of the home team could not be penetrated.
The Warriors led 9-6 at half time, however 13 minutes after the break Montpellier got a lineout five metres from the Glasgow line, but their drive was stopped. They got a scrum in the same minute but Glasgow was able to clear.
That was the high point for Montpellier until the end of the game.
Meantime Glasgow had a magic moment near the hour mark when 13 Mark Bennett wandered through half the Montpellier side, or so it seemed.
Josh Strauss – man of the match
It was a key moment because Montpellier were forced to respond cynically and got a yellow card for their trouble. Glasgow slotted that penalty goal and another five minutes later to lead 15-6 with 15 minutes remaining.
Montpellier would have to score a try and change to win the match. The home team tried their best but could not breach the Glasgow defences.
The game lasted until the 85th minute because of scrum resets near the Glasgow line. Finally referee JP Doyle lost his patience and awarded a penalty try for repeated scrum infringements against Glasgow, but they won the game 15-13.
The man-of the-match was Glasgow no. 8 Josh Strauss whose beard we remember well when he was skipper for the Lions in Super Rugby a few years back, but a big clap should be given to inexperienced Warriors’ flyhalf Finn Russell coming back from injury in his second game this season and slotting five out of five.
Aussie watch: Sitaleki Timani played the best game I have seen from him since he left Australia, and was one of the best for Montpellier.
Clermont 35 — Sale 3
Clermont went down to Saracens away last week but at least got a losing bonus point. However, the way Munster were playing in the pool they had to win this game, and with bells on too.
They had most of the chances during the half but had fits and starts and could only profit from one. In the 18th minute they started from their on 22 and after one phase 13 Jonathan Davies kicked through for himself before passing for the score.
Clermont kicked two penalty goals to one in the half and led 13-3 at the break.
Sale had a few good moments but they were mostly snuffed out early, and they got few attacking plays from their own lineouts because they lost four of them.
It was much the same in the second half with Clermont playing expansively but not getting results until 10 Camille Lopez kicked-passed to winger Napolioni Nalaga for a try in the 54th minute—and Clermont led 21-3.
Soon after Sale fluffed their best chance of the match when they lost a five-metre lineout.
Napolioni Nalaga – Clermont game-breaker
With the game well-won, time was running out for Clermont to score their third and fourth tries for a bonus point, but with six minutes to go the brilliant thinker 12 Wesley Fofana set up Nalaga who had a good run and when tackled got up to accept a pop pass to score.
Their fourth try happened after another lost Sale lineout. Old stager Aurelien Rougerie got the ball on his side of halfway and, in a moment of high theatre, threw a casual dummy, fended twice and scored, for Clermont to win 35 – 3 and get a bonus point.
Clermont fullback Nick Abendanon was the official man of the match but my vote would have gone to Napolioni Nalaga for his strong finishing, or to 10 Camille Lopez for making many good decisions and fine passes.
Other Results
Leinster 21 – Castres 16
Harlequins 23 – Wasps 16
Racing Métro 26 – Treviso 10
For Pool tables and results to date browse here
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