Final Score: Montpellier Hérault Rugby 28 – Emirates Lions 5
Halftime: Montpellier 7 – 0 Lions
Date: 11 January 2025 | Venue: GGL Stadium
Referee: Ben Breakspear (WAL)
Player of the Match: Alexis Bernadet (Montpellier Hérault Rugby)
📊 Match Summary:
Montpellier Hérault Rugby flexed their muscles in a dominant 28-5 victory over the Emirates Lions in a wet-weather EPCR Challenge Cup encounter. The French giants kept the South Africans scoreless in the first half and ran away with it in the second, scoring four tries to Lions’ lone effort.
📈 Scoring Timeline:
- Montpellier:
- Try: Marco Tauleigne (2′)
- Conversion: Thomas Vincent (3′)
- Try: Alexis Bernadet (53′, 60′)
- Conversion: Thomas Vincent (55′, 60′)
- Try: Sam Simmonds (71′)
- Conversion: Aurelien Barreau (72′)
- Lions:
- Try: Quan Horn (46′)
Yellow Card: Etienne Oosthuizen (48′)
🔑 Key Stats:
- Possession: Lions 50.72% | Montpellier 49.28%
- Meters Gained: Montpellier 805 | Lions 339
- Carries: Montpellier 154 | Lions 145
- Defenders Beaten: Montpellier 32 | Lions 19
- Missed Tackles: Lions 32 | Montpellier 19
⭐ Standout Performers:
Montpellier Hérault Rugby:
- Top Try Scorer: Alexis Bernadet (2 tries)
- Most Meters: Anthony Bouthier (144m)
- Top Tackler: Lenni Nouchi (16 tackles)
Emirates Lions:
- Try: Quan Horn
- Most Meters: Quan Horn (51m)
- Top Tackler: Ruan Delport (13 tackles)
🎯 Match Verdict:
Montpellier controlled the tempo with powerful forward play and smart kicking from Thomas Vincent, while the Lions struggled to convert possession into points. Alexis Bernadet was electric, making an undeniable impact with two tries and solid defense.
The Lions will need to sharpen their set-piece execution and discipline as they face a tough uphill battle in the competition.
Stay tuned for more rugby action and fan reactions! 🗞️