Montpellier-Stade Français (44-7): the Parisians take a lesson and slip in the Top 14 rankings

A terrible debacle. While it remained on two great victories against Castres and Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français completely sank this Saturday in Montpellier (44-7). Dominated from start to finish, unable to find solutions offensively and resist opposing attacks defensively, the Parisians conceded their 7th defeat of the season.

This one is particularly heavy. After a messy first quarter of an hour, the Montpellier residents scored their first points via the foot of Hugo Miotti (19th), and never released their pressure. Lennox Anyanwu and Auguste Cadot took the opportunity to score two tries (24th and 31st) which forced Paul Gustard to react. And the British coach did not hold back, replacing five forwards even before half-time.

“We get beaten on the territory, on kicking plays, on impact, everything,” said scrum half Louis Carbonel, scathingly, before returning to the locker room. There is nothing to say at the moment, Montpellier is well above us. It’s up to us to put ourselves back together. »

A ranking disaster?

This will never be the case. In the 45th minute, Maël Moustin scored Montpellier’s third try, synonymous with an offensive bonus. Gustard then immediately emptied the bench and launched Sekou Macalou and Peniasi Dakuwaqa, without success. The Parisians continued to flow, conceding tries from Stuart Hogg (51st), Ali Price (59th) and Billy Vunipola (80th). Only the opportunist Mathieu Hirigoyen (66th) offered a little happiness to the Pink Soldiers.

“We were caught everywhere, whether it was occupation, possession or conquest,” regretted Romain Briatte speaking to Canal + after the match. The truth of one weekend is not the truth of the next. We’re back where we belong, maybe we looked too good this week.”

This defeat could be costly for Stade Français, which will lose several places in the standings. With its five points, Montpellier already surpasses the Parisians. Toulon, Clermont and Union Bordeaux-Bègles could do the same and take the Stadistes out of the top 6 qualifying for the final phases. Very bad news in a particularly tight Top 14.