Montpellier delivered a commanding performance to defeat Bath 32-14 at the Rec on the opening weekend of the Champions Cup, demonstrating a physical and tactical style that contrasted sharply with the faster, high-scoring approach often seen in English rugby.
The French side, who were last season’s Top 14 runners-up and reigning Challenge Cup champions, asserted their dominance particularly in the second half, outscoring Bath 22-0 after a tightly contested first 40 minutes. Montpellier’s blend of grit and flair was evident throughout the match as they repeatedly broke down Bath’s defensive efforts, which were frequently undermined by indiscipline and difficulties at the breakdown.
Bath, who entered the match with a lineup closely resembling last year’s Challenge Cup-winning squad, struggled to keep pace with a Montpellier team that fielded a side not necessarily reflective of its strongest selection. Despite this, Bath managed to take a narrow lead going into halftime, bolstered by a try from Arthur Green, whose dynamic play at the base of the scrum offered a rare bright spot for the hosts.
Montpellier, however, demonstrated a capacity for controlled, old-school rugby, combining strong defense with incisive attacking phases. Adam Hastings, Bath’s fly-half, succeeded with a penalty early in the game, keeping the deficit close. Still, Montpellier’s tactical discipline paved the way for crucial scores, including two penalty kicks at goal—an unusual feature in recent English premiership matches—which extended their advantage in the second half.
Key moments for Montpellier included early tries set up by Lennox Anyanwanu, a former Harlequins centre now playing in France, whose break at the end of the first half was narrowly disallowed due to a forward pass. Anyanwanu’s involvement in the visitors’ second-half try, along with Donovan Taoöffienu’s interception leading to Montpellier’s third try, underscored the impact of English players now plying their trade abroad.
Bath’s attacking efforts often fell short; a notable missed opportunity came early in the second half when Joe Cokanasiga failed to catch a pass near the corner. Meanwhile, Finn Russell experienced a mixed performance, shining in the first half but frustrated as Montpellier’s pressure intensified, symbolizing Bath’s overall struggle to adapt to a more physical contest.
Montpellier’s victory highlighted the enduring effectiveness of a robust and pragmatic style of rugby, challenging recent trends in English club play. The result may prompt reflection within English rugby circles about the balance between flair and physicality, especially as several prominent English players continue to excel in the French league.