Faraj Benlahoucine, Media365, published on Saturday December 28, 2024 at 8:18 p.m.
Montpellier won in Clermont (18-22) this Saturday in the Top 14, thus concluding a virtuous month of December. With four consecutive successes, the Héraultais brought down the invincibility of ASM to Marcel-Michelin.
When hosting Montpellier in a staggered match on the 13th day of Top 14, Clermont pulled out all the stops to make the party a success. As an entrance, Marcos Kremer entered the Marcel-Michelin pitch alone to announce to the Auvergne public the extension of his contract until 2028. For dessert, the Jaunards had the opportunity to enjoy a nice provisional third place before moving towards the year 2025. However, Christophe Urios' men stumbled on a bone when they tackled the main course. The MHR spoiled the Clermont party (18-22).
Author of a double (19th, 27th), Etienne Fourcade thought to place ASM safe in the first period with a 12-10 advantage at the break. But nay. Still so diabolical near the goal, the South African world champion Cobus Reinach played a nasty trick on the Jaunards (12-10, 34th). Then upon returning from the locker room, the strategy put in place by Joan Caudullo bore fruit. Taking advantage of Clermont's blunders as well as the indiscipline of the locals, Montpellier took full advantage of its rare scoring opportunities to take the lead in the last quarter of an hour.
Montpellier undefeated in December
The great architect of this masterstroke is called Stuart Hogg. The former full-back of the Scottish selection, repositioned at the opening, proved to be extremely valuable, credited with a 4/5 in the scoring exercise in the second half and 17 points over the entire match. After a penalty from Théo Giral less than two minutes from the siren (79th) to grant at least the defensive bonus to the XV of the Volcans, the revival of the last hope failed. Peceli Yato's post-contact pass slipped out of the hands of Alivereti Raka. A mistake precipitating Clermont's first setback of the season at home.
The defensive bonus gleaned by the Jaunards (34 points) keeps them in 5th place. The Héraultais, for their part, completed a virtuous month of December with four victories in all competitions. This result in Auvergne puts them back in 7th position before the reception of Aviron Bayonnais on January 4 for the first day of the return phase of the Top 14.
