Toulouse won in two stages against Montpellier at the opening of the 15th day of the Top 14. Under heavy rain until half-time, deprived of many executives preparing for the 6 Nations Tournament, the Rouge et Noir first foiled against the Héraultais who better exploited the playing conditions. But a prolific second period offered victory to the Toulouse residents (27-17), who temporarily returned to the lead ahead of the UBB. Montpellier remains 7th.
Zero points for Toulouse at the break
For 40 minutes, we must have said to ourselves in the aisles of Ernest-Wallon that it was one of those winter afternoons to stay at home, warm in front of your television. While the big names from Toulouse prepared for the 6 Nations with the Blues, the Rouge et Noir passed a real test against Montpellier in full swing, who presented themselves swollen with 7 victories in a row and with a squad little affected by the winter doubles.
Toulouse-Montpellier, January 25, 2025.
Credit: Getty Images
The pouring rain and the defense in place of the Montpellier people have long muzzled the collective ambitions of the Rouge et Noir, silent at the break – a rarity, even more so at Ernest-Wallon. The MHR respected its plan perfectly, occupying the ground at the foot and taking advantage of its superiority in melee to offer two munitions at the foot of Stuart Hogg, who only passed one (14th). The bill could have been heavier if a foul by Jordan Uesele in the air had not canceled the trickster try of Lenni Nouchi (39th), who had stolen a pass under pressure from Rodrigue Neti in his 22.
-A second prolific period
A question arose at the start of the second period: was Toulouse's series of 49 Top 14 matches with at least one try going to end? The worry didn't last 10 minutes. As the conditions improved, Juan Cruz Mallia equalized with his foot (45th) before the clearing was confirmed in a striking way, with three masterful counter attempts.
First, Graou quickly played a penalty to race back 50 meters, and Ange Capuozzo reversed the game at the foot for Dimitri Delibes' try on the wing (47th). Then behind a good scratch from Joel Merkler in front of his goal, Toulouse exploited a surplus of schools on the wing until Blair Kinghorn (65th). Finally the legs of Nelson Epée, irresistible on the right side, and the pressure put on Hogg too alone in his 22 allowed Delibes to score the double (72nd). Frustrated, the MHR had the resources to score two late tries and deprive Toulouse of the offensive bonus, behind a successful maul accompanying Christopher Tolofua to queen (75th) then in pick and go after the siren by Florian Verhaeghe.
Toulouse had shown before the European break against La Rochelle (19-22 defeat) that even rejuvenated, even reworked, the champions of France and Europe could make life difficult for any squad, if conditions permit. With this success against Montpellier, Ugo Mola's men regain the lead of the Top 14 ahead of UBB, who receive the LOU this evening. Montpellier falls after 7 successes in a row and remains stuck just behind the Top 6.
