Montpellier (AFP)
Unsurprisingly, Montpellier began its ninth European Cup campaign with a heavy defeat (14-35) at home against Leinster, quadruple continental champion, and is already almost out of the race.
The contract is however completely fulfilled for the Irish province which ensured the offensive bonus at the end of the match (69th) by the third line Dan Leavy after having had the stranglehold on the game during the first period.
By losing at home, for its 50th European match, the MHR seriously compromised its chances of qualifying in an event which never really succeeded.
Montpellier, which has yet recovered several injured (Jacques du Plessis, Van Rensburg, Paillaugue) and internationals, could not do anything to compete with Leinster.
He was never able to confirm his recent success in Clermont (21-15), likely to revive him in the league.
Even deprived of their master to play and opener Jonathan Sexton, left in the stands, the Irish have totally mastered this meeting and left no hope for the Montpellier, overwhelmed by stronger than them.
Leo Cullen's men ran their game smoothly to surprise the Montpellier defense on three occasions during the first period.
After three movements at several times of play, they scored as many tries by third row Josh van der Flier (5th), by center Ciaran Frawley (25th) and by winger Dave Kearney (35th), at receiving a kick from opener Ross Byrne.
The Montpellier residents have long been content with three penalties from scrum half Benoît Paillaugue, who was playing his 250th game with the MHR.
Unable to find a space and create an interval, they saved the honor with a try from winger Gabriel Ngandebe (76).
Failing to be as domineering in the second half, the Leinster showed opportunism to score a fourth try by the third row Dan Leavy (68th) following a penalty, before the back Jimmy O'Brien does not add a fifth (79th) to heal the difference in points.
Which could prove to be decisive as the sprint promises to be tight.
© 2020 AFP