Montpellier (AFP)

Disciplined and full of control, Montpellier has started its season well by crushing Brive (39-17), who abandons his place of ephemeral leader, Saturday during the second day of Top 14.

In a sold-out stadium (free entry), the MHR temporarily seizes 2nd place in the standings, behind Castres, which surprised Clermont (34-30).

However, the Héraultais can harbor some regrets after giving up the offensive bonus point during a less successful second period.

With six points in two days, after the draw (24-24) obtained in Toulon last week, Philippe Saint-André's team forgets the setbacks of the false start of the previous season, marked by an initial failure in front of Pau (23 -26), long dragged like a ball.

Deprived of its two leaders Guilhem Guirado and Benoît Paillaugue, injured and absent for several months, the PSA gang has found other resources to surf at the end of last season and maintain its main principles of play, despite some unusual flaws in defense. .

Brive, with a very reshaped team, has not confirmed its promising success in front of the promoted Perpignan (36-15) to better prepare for the important meeting against Pau next Saturday.

Montpellier flew over the first period (32-5), even taking an option on the offensive bonus thanks to four tries.

Disturbed in touch and scrum, he was master of the rucks to exploit three turnovers thanks to his new third row led by the English international Zach Mercer.

The number 8 of Brive, the Fidjian Kitione Kamikamica, is tackled by his counterpart from Montpellier, the English Zach Mercer, on September 11, 2021, during the second day of Top 14 Pascal GUYOT AFP

The Saint-André team quickly took the lead on a first try by Georgian scrum-half Gela Aprasidze (4th), then repeated by the new hooker Jérémie Maurouard (20th).

She completed this first act very well, concluding two new tests by the new center Geoffrey Doumayrou (35th) and the international Arthur Vincent, author of a counter of 80 meters at the winger position (40th) for his comeback.

The Montpellier hooker Jérémiah Maurouard scores the 2nd home try against Brive, September 11, 2021, during the 2nd day of Top 14 Pascal GUYOT AFP

By conceding two new tries after the break by Fijian center Sevanaïa Galala (41st) and Georgian hooker Vano Karkadze (68th), after that of Fijian hooker Peniami Narisia (15th), Montpellier spoiled this great first impression.

And above all, he let slip a precious point.

© 2021 AFP