Nanterre (AFP)

The Montpellier, carried by their scrum-half Corbus Reinach, author of two tries, and by the total success against the poles of Paolo Garbisi (19 points), are moving forward after two defeats in the league.

Better, this first success away allows them to climb to 7th place in the standings.

The Racingmen, for their part, miss the opportunity to get back on the podium and remain 4th.

Faced with an avalanche of injuries (Pesenti, Thomas, Chat, Sanconnie ...), the Ile-de-France technician Laurent Travers had been forced to line up a rejuvenated team, even more with the last-minute package of Kurtley Beale, replaced at the rear by young Max Springs (20).

With a starting XV of 23 years on average, Racing 92 suffered in the first period against realistic and efficient Montpellierers, like Garbisi, author of a 100% success against poles (7/7) .

Under the eyes of his compatriots Springboks, in training in France before joining Great Britain for the matches of the autumn, the South African Reinach carried out a great match, with a first try after 4 minutes.

If the Ile-de-France residents reacted well through Springs (18th) then by one of the tauliers Juan Imhoff (23rd), Gaël Fickou's teammates, reduced to 14 before the break with the yellow card from Luke Jones (30th), were once again surprised by Reinach (39th), author of a solo raid from his own 22 meters.

Montpellier full-back Anthony Bouthier grabs the ball during the match against Racing 92, October 23, 2021 in Paris La defense Anne-Christine POUJOULAT AFP

Too undisciplined (11 penalties conceded, 17 lost balls), the Ile-de-France residents were sanctioned by the visiting scorers, Garbisi and Pollard.

If the seven changes made after the break by Laurent Travers gave a little freshness to the premises, rewarded with a penalty try 20 minutes from the end (61st), the reaction was too late.

Because, opposite, the men of Philippe Saint-André resisted to finally hold their exploit despite the temporary exclusion of the second line of the Blues Paul Willemse (61st).

A good omen before going to challenge Lyon next week.

Racing 92 will have a big chunk with the reception of Toulouse.

© 2021 AFP