Second semi-final of the Top 14 in Nice this weekend. Montpellier, second in the qualifying phase, face Bordeaux, third and winner of Racing 92 (36-16) in the quarter-final.
As in yesterday’s match, the kickoff of this encounter was marked by a lot of intensity. Montpellier shows strong aggression in defense.
Nonetheless, the MHR players commit a foul, allowing Maxime Lucu to open the scoring, 0-3 from the first penalty of this match.
Montpellier reacts immediately with strong aggression again right after the restart. After recovering from a Bordeaux handling error, the three-quarters spread the ball to the wing for Vincent Ratez, who finishes in the corner.
Benoit Paillaugue converts from the angle: already 7-3 after 7 minutes of play.
Buoyed by this first try, the Montpelliérains are very confident and continuously gain meters. Garbisi takes a drop goal and secures 3 new points for the Hérault side.
It’s Montpellier dominating the opening 20 minutes, but the opportunistic Mathieu Jalibert takes advantage of a turnover from Guilhem Guirado, kicks ahead, and manages to finish. 10-10, Bordeaux equalizes against the run of play thanks to their best asset, their fly-half.
At the half-hour mark, Montpellier continues to retain possession and gradually makes progress in the Bordeaux defense. Logically, it’s the MHR leading at halftime (13-10) thanks to a drop goal from Anthony Bouthier at the buzzer.
Upon returning from the locker rooms, the two teams engage in a physically grueling battle. The duels are tough, and the 30 players, struggling physically, take very few initiatives.
Near the hour mark, the score remains the same. And the teams continue in a fierce battle, but fatigue and physical impact are beginning to take their toll.
It is not until the 70th minute that the first points of the second half are scored. They come from a newcomer, Georgian Aprasidze, on a penalty from over 50 meters. 16-10 for Montpellier.
The UBB players have only one option left, to score a converted try. Union Bordeaux-Bègles tries everything, but the MHR is too solid in defense. The Hérault players manage to secure victory with another long-range penalty (57m) from Aprasidze.
End of the match, a 19-10 victory for Montpellier Hérault Rugby against Union Bordeaux-Bègles. The MHR was superior tonight; the score could have been heavier for UBB. The Montpelliérains will attempt to lift the Brennus Shield for the first time in their history against Castrais, who defeated them in the final in 2018.
See you at Stade de France on June 24 for the last match of this 2021-22 Top 14 season.
