What a smashing comeback under the lights! Montpellier flipped the script on Zebre Parma in a powerhouse performance that left fans buzzing.
In a nail-biting Round Two clash of the EPCR Challenge Cup, Montpellier Hérault roared back from an early setback to crush Zebre Parma 31-7 on Friday night. As the defending champions, they've now kicked off their campaign with a perfect record, securing two wins in as many matches. Heading into the festive break, this victory puts them in pole position.
But here's where it gets interesting – the game unfolded like a classic tale of resilience. The opening half was all about the grind, where both teams' forward packs got to show off their muscle in tight, physical exchanges. It's that kind of rugby that tests a team's endurance, with players battling in the trenches to gain every inch of ground. Zebre Parma struck first, just nine minutes in, thanks to some gritty forward play that bulldozed them over from close range – a moment of pride for the Italians.
Then, the French side responded with flair. Montpellier clawed their way back before halftime, even taking the lead into the break. Winger Mael Moustin spotted a gap and broke free, setting up a powerful finish from number eight Alex Masibaka. For those new to rugby, this was a textbook driving maul: imagine the forwards locking together like a human battering ram, pushing relentlessly from deep in their own half to score. Masibaka wasn't done yet – he added another try just past the hour mark, sandwiched between scores from Marco Tauleigne and Florian Verhaeghe. As an example, this kind of sustained pressure is what separates top teams, turning defense into attack with precision and teamwork.
And this is the part most people miss: how the backs owned the second half. With more room to operate, Montpellier's outside players unleashed their speed and skill, creating opportunities that the forwards had earned through their earlier dominance.
The Italians fought back valiantly toward the end, with their pack – the group of big, strong players up front – seemingly dominating until prop Franco Carrera thought he'd powered over from just a meter out. But wait, here's where controversy brews. The Television Match Official (TMO) – that eagle-eyed reviewer who checks replays for accuracy – ruled it out, dashing Zebre's hopes of even a small consolation. Was that call spot on, or did it rob the visitors of a deserved moment? Some might argue it was a harsh interpretation, sparking debates about technology's role in the game. After all, rugby's beauty lies in its raw emotion, and these decisions can feel like game-changers.
All in all, it was a commanding start for the two-time winners, proving they're not just contenders but leaders in the pack.
Teams:
For Montpellier:
Tries: Moustin, Masibaka, Tauleigne, Masibaka, Verhaeghe
Conversions: Miotti 3
For Zebre Parma:
Try: Licata
Conversion: Montemauri
Full Squad Details:
Montpellier: 15 Thomas Vincent, 14 Gabriel N’Gandebe, 13 Thomas Darmon, 12 Auguste Cadot, 11 Mael Moustin, 10 Stuart Hogg, 9 Leo Coly, 8 Alex Masibaka, 7 Jordan Uelese (captain), 6 Marco Tauleigne, 5 Adam Beard, 4 Florian Verhaeghe, 3 Luka Japaridze, 2 Ricky Riccitelli, 1 Nika Abuladze.
Replacements: 16 Lyam Akrab, 17 Enzo Forletta, 18 Valentin Welsch, 19 Tyler DuGuid, 20 Solomon Shand, 21 Ali Price, 22 Domingo Miotti, 23 Jules Ducros.
Zebre Parma: 15 Lorenzo Pani, 14 Malik Faissal, 13 Luca Morisi, 12 Damiano Mazza, 11 Albert Batista, 10 Giovanni Montemauri, 9 Migael Prinsloo, 8 Giovanni Licata (captain), 7 Jacopo Bianchi, 6 Giacomo Milano, 5 Alessandro Ortombina, 4 Guido Volpi, 3 Matteo Nocera, 1 Paolo Buonfiglio.
Replacements: 16 Shilo Klein, 17 Muhamed Hasa, 18 Riccardo Genovese, 19 Matteo Canali, 20 Davide Ruggeri, 21 Nikolaj Varotto, 22 Martin Roger Farias, 23 Enrico Lucchin.
Referee: Peter Martin (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Keane Davison (Ireland), Stuart Gaffikin (Ireland)
TMO: Mark Patton (Ireland)
What do you think? Was the TMO decision fair, or should Zebre have gotten that late try? Do you agree Montpellier deserved the win, or is there a counterpoint I'm missing? Share your thoughts in the comments – let's chat rugby!
