Clermont-Ferrand (AFP)

Deal! Given for dead for the qualification three months ago, Montpellier has brought the last stone to his "remontada" by winning Saturday on the last day in Clermont (28-27), undefeated at home until then.

The challenge was immense, since the vice-champions of France, who will move to Lyon next Saturday in the play-offs, had to succeed almost without a fault since their defeat at the end of February in Toulouse, which had relegated them to 13 points of the 6th and last qualifying place.

They have raised it (eighth victory over the last nine days), for a small point and, also, a forward: the one committed by the hooker Auvergnat John Ulugia, invalidating after video referee the test of Setariki Tuicuvu, which would have allowed Clermont to go back four minutes from the end. And so, no doubt, eliminate the Montpellier.

The latter especially rose to the challenge thanks to a state of mind found and the strong choices made by the manager Vern Cotter, who ended the legacy of his predecessor Jake White by dismissing the Springboks world champions 2007 (François Steyn, Ruan Pienaar and Jannie Du Plessis), with the exception of Bismarck Du Plessis. And relied on the house mahout Benoît Paillaugue and a conquering youth (Reilhac, Ngandebe, Immelman).

To complete their "remontada", the Héraultais had to win at Clermont, if possible with the offensive bonus. A mission they did not reach, but they were saved by the victory of Toulon at Castres (25-16).

- Doubled of Delhommel -

Their performance in Auvergne, where they win for the fifth time in a row, is nonetheless remarkable.

ASM, already qualified for the semi-finals (June 8-9 in Bordeaux), was determined to avoid a second defeat in a row. And a first setback this season to Marcel-Michelin.

On the other hand because Montpellier was deprived of four holders (Picamoles, Ouedraogo, Bismarck Du Plessis and Ngandebe), the last two at the last minute.

Welded by the stake, the Montpellier put pressure of Clermont entry, to be quickly in front of 6 to 0.

But they were twice crossed by Alivereti Raka (12th, 7th try this season) and Georges Moala (19th, 8th test), which allowed the ASM to lead 14 to 9.

Never mind! The young hooker Yuri Delhommel, of a test in stride (22nd), allowed them to return to the break (16-14), where they had in hand their qualification, Toulon leading to Castres.

Obviously, however, it was still necessary to secure the victory, which was first done by two new tests, Nemani Nadolo (60) and Delhommel (64). That gave him a double when he replaced Bismarck Du Plessis at a moment's notice!

Then in a second time resisting the return of Clermont, returned to a small point after a test of Ulugia (68th). Which the front, eight minutes later, finally made the happiness of Montpellier in an end of match unbreathable.

? 2019 AFP