Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Montpellier snatch victory from Racing Metro in Top 14 semi final
A last gasp penalty from Argentinian Martin Bustos Moyano shattered a brilliant comeback from Racing, after they had fought back well from being 23-6 down early in the second half. The game ended 26-25, with Montpellier heading into their first Top 14 final ever.
"It is unbelievable, unbelievable. I thought we were beaten," said an ecstatic coach, Fabien Galthie. Coach Eric Bechu was equally overjoyed. "It's great for the guys. They fought until the end despite several of them suffering from cramp," he said.
With minutes left and both sides looking fatigued, Racing Metro appeared to have won the game as they took the lead with a try to Jone Qovu. Montpellier kept at it though, working their way downfield before earning the decisive penalty.
As time was up, Racing got in a position to steal the game with a dropgoal, but perhaps rushed things a bit as Jonathan Wisniewski's effort went wide. Montpellier went through, and will face Toulouse in the Top 14 Final, this coming Saturday, the 4th of June.
The following is extended highlights of the game. If it's too long for you to watch, skip to the end to see the great scenes a thrilling climax to the match.
Time: 14:40
Posted at 3:28 pm | 18 comments
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Viewing 18 comments
Anonymous June 01, 2011 6:50 pm
Great rugby game.
Hope Montpellier will keep providing us great running rugby has they did the whole season.
Hope Montpellier will keep providing us great running rugby has they did the whole season.
Threma June 01, 2011 7:57 pm
I started playing rugby when I was 5 with Mathieu Lore (scrum-half for Racing) and played with him during years. Now he's playing the Top 14 semi-finals with one of the best clubs in France and I'm still playing for that same old club we started in, in the lowest regional division you can think of...something went terribly wrong here!!! Still it's great that he often takes time to come and watch us.
Flipje June 01, 2011 8:04 pm
I am over the moon ;-)
Not a great fan of Montpelllier in particular, but this club is just proving that playing an offensive rugby based on passing and movement is still possible in the top 14 and most importantly it can be successfull.... A bunch of kids, with 2/3 young Argentinians (some found by Galthier during his "consulting" work for the Pumas, a bit more than a year ago),and a great Georgian warrior (and sometime a bit too provocative) with Gordgoze.
It is so refreshing in the Top 14 to see such a team not basing everything on their physicality.
Big applause for the coaching staff and with the hope that Galthier (sorry for Montpellier) will succeed Lievremont for managing the French Team, so we can end 4 year of nightmare and hope for some brigther day.
I hope Montpellier and Toulouse will give us a great final!!!!
Not a great fan of Montpelllier in particular, but this club is just proving that playing an offensive rugby based on passing and movement is still possible in the top 14 and most importantly it can be successfull.... A bunch of kids, with 2/3 young Argentinians (some found by Galthier during his "consulting" work for the Pumas, a bit more than a year ago),and a great Georgian warrior (and sometime a bit too provocative) with Gordgoze.
It is so refreshing in the Top 14 to see such a team not basing everything on their physicality.
Big applause for the coaching staff and with the hope that Galthier (sorry for Montpellier) will succeed Lievremont for managing the French Team, so we can end 4 year of nightmare and hope for some brigther day.
I hope Montpellier and Toulouse will give us a great final!!!!
Anonymous June 01, 2011 8:14 pm
Thanks to Montpellier !!! Youngest team in top14...
Bechu and Galthie did a tremendous job!!
Hopefully next year Galthie will coach France and bring a new spirit in French squad...
Bechu and Galthie did a tremendous job!!
Hopefully next year Galthie will coach France and bring a new spirit in French squad...
Luxi June 01, 2011 10:16 pm
great win by montpellier, it goes to show that 'minnows' can do well, also it shows that playing an attacking kind of rugby can be efficient and successful in top 14, not only super rugby
only issue now is i'm torn between backing the montpellier youngsters or the red and black giants of toulouse in the final
eitherway, it should be a cracking final, as both teams offer attacking- free flowing rugby
only issue now is i'm torn between backing the montpellier youngsters or the red and black giants of toulouse in the final
eitherway, it should be a cracking final, as both teams offer attacking- free flowing rugby
Anonymous June 01, 2011 10:40 pm
That guy has the loudest voice in the stadium lol
Great game and a tantalising final. You can keep your super rugby
Great game and a tantalising final. You can keep your super rugby
Panther June 01, 2011 11:01 pm
Allez Montpellier!!!!!!
I hope they win against Toulouse, but Ithink Toulouse is just too strong
I hope they win against Toulouse, but Ithink Toulouse is just too strong
EARugbyFan June 01, 2011 11:16 pm
Excellent game. Cant wait to see how they will fare against my favourite fleet footed fatty.
ulsterchris June 02, 2011 12:48 am
Good to see that club funds are not ruling the top 14. I do enjoy seeing a team with big names but the recent influx of superstar signings to Racing this past few years has turned me off the club. Well done Montpellier I hope this young team stick together and become a real force in Europe.
Anonymous June 02, 2011 1:36 am
J'adore quand Ouedraogo se fait exploser par des 3/4. Il va tre plus ridicule que jamais pendant la coupe du monde
100chickensfor100piz June 02, 2011 2:22 am
Based on this don't think Toulouse have much to worry about for the final...
Anonymous June 02, 2011 2:33 am
I wish super rugby had French commentary.
I see a bit of Top 14 on Eurosports and im not sold on the French refs. The games always seem to get better at this time of year when the sun starts shining....hope Montpellier win.
Met some frenchmen in a pub the other day who were Racing fans...they would be devastated.
I see a bit of Top 14 on Eurosports and im not sold on the French refs. The games always seem to get better at this time of year when the sun starts shining....hope Montpellier win.
Met some frenchmen in a pub the other day who were Racing fans...they would be devastated.
Anonymous June 02, 2011 9:14 am
That 1st bit of extended play was awesome - 3 turnovers I think?
Guy June 02, 2011 10:26 am
Great game!
Great atmosphere!
Great commentator! Don't understand a word but boy, is he into it or what...
Great atmosphere!
Great commentator! Don't understand a word but boy, is he into it or what...
Anonymous June 02, 2011 11:12 am
"If it's too long for you to watch"
LOL what a silly message :P there is never enough rugby
LOL what a silly message :P there is never enough rugby
Anonymous June 02, 2011 6:16 pm
thanks to Montpellier!! they showed us that a good team, with a collective spirit is better than money in rugby after beating toulon and now racing...
thanks.
thanks.
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