Paris (AFP)

Maladroit, undisciplined, Montpellier failed to seize a victory that stretched out his arms and misses his entry into the European Cup by bowing on the lawn of Connacht 23 to 20, Saturday at the 1st day (Pool 5) .

Ten fouls, 10 penalties conceded (against 5 for Connacht): the approximations were too great to expect a result on the lands of valiant Irish yet limited offensively.

The last ten minutes were the image of the match. Frustrating. It was on a penalty following a loss of support from Caleb Timu, who replaced Louis Picamoles with a thigh and a last minute pass, which Fitzgerald gave the three-point lead that made the difference in the end (23-20 , 67e).

Because Montpellier did not know how to take advantage of the time that was offered to win, or at least catch a draw.

Certainly, Xavier Garbajosa's men have patiently invested the Irish camp, but twice the fellows of the west of the island have been imperial in the scraped balloons.

And if it was not a player who went to isolate themselves to get the ball caught, it was an approximate pass that broke a dynamic forward. Infuriating.

However, Montpellier had started the game in the best way with a test from the first minute of its opener, the former New Zealand international Aaron Cruden, beneficiary of a surplus in the end for his last match under the colors Hérault before being replaced by South African world champion Handre Pollard.

Strong in defense, especially against counter-rucks, Montpellier dominated the first act in possession and occupation.

But lacking realism on their highlights despite the activity of Paul Willemnse or Djibril Camara, they let the Connacht turn the tide and plant two tries before the break.

A first sequel to a scrum on the 22 meters Héraultais who has predicted several races launched in the right tempo (37th). Then on a penaltouche consecutive to the temporary exclusion of Willemse, converted into a penetrating group (40 + 4).

Montpellier could nevertheless be content to be only three points behind at the break (13-10), opener Carty being little in luck in his shots on goal.

But the MHR cracked again at the beginning of the second act. A long sequence of game fronts, in a stereotypical game passed zero but well oiled, and the scrum half Caolin Blade took advantage of a missed tackle to pass his own +7 (20-13, 52).

Anthony Bouthier, repositioned at the opening after the release of Cruden, put the Héraultais height up taking the interval to afford his first try in the European Cup (62).

It lacked a little control to pass in front. But it is the Irish who have shown it by defending tooth and nail without making mistakes every centimeter of their green square.

The point of defensive bonus can not temper the regrets of the Herault who for a sixth time bow on Irish soil and very badly start a European Cup which certainly does not smile to them (only one quarterfinal in 2013).

© 2019 AFP