Montpellier scored nine tries to overwhelm Ulster in the EPCR Challenge Cup final at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Friday night.
The French club won 59-26 after leading 26-12 at half-time to add to the Challenge Cup titles they won in 2015-16 and 2020-21.
It was heartbreak for Ulster and their South African No 8 Juarno Augustus, who had started the game brightly.
After sustained pressure on the Montpellier line, it was Ulster captain Nick Timoney who crashed over in the third minute, with scrumhalf Nathan Doak converting.
The French side had barely touched the ball, but with their first attack, right wing Gabriel N’Gandebe was sent clear down the right to score. Flyhalf Domingo Miotti added the extras.
It was a breathtaking opening in near 30℃ temperature.
After a brief lull, Ulster paid the price for losing a lineout close to their own line and Montpellier worked the ball back to left wing Donovan Taofifenua to score. Miotti converted from out wide.
Towering Ulster lock Cormac Izuchukwu then ran onto a pass and strode home from the opposition 10m line for a sensational score. Doak missed his kick but with half an hour gone, the game was finely poised.
But Montpellier hit back straight away as first captain Billy Vunipola and then flank Alex Becognee crashed over as the French side’s forward power started to tell as half-time closed.
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Five minutes into the second half and Montpellier had the game all but won as Taofifenua acrobatically crossed for his second. Miotti converted from out wide to make it 33-12.
Flank Lenni Nouchi was next to score for Montpellier, before Ireland right wing Robert Baloucoune – who came into the team in place of South African Werner Kok – produced a brilliant individual try for Ulster.
However, it was the briefest of respites as Montpellier replacements Baptiste Erdocio and Wilfrid Hounkpatin also touched down to bring up the half-century.
There were further tries for Ulster fullback Mike Lowry and Montpellier centre Arthur Vincent in the closing moments.
MONTPELLIER – Tries: Gabriel N’Gandebe, Donovan Taofifenua (2), Billy Vunipola, Alex Becognee, Lenni Nouch, Baptiste Erdocio, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Arthur Vincent. Conversions: Domingo Miotti (5), Leo Coly (2).
ULSTER – Tries: Nick Timoney, Cormac Izuchukwu, Robert Baloucoune, Mike Lowry. Conversions: Nathan Doak (2), Jake Flannery.
Photo: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
The post Euro final heartbreak for Trokkie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Montpellier scored nine tries to overwhelm Ulster in the EPCR Challenge Cup final at the San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao on Friday night.
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