The moment when Stade Toulousain – MHR changed: in five minutes, a disallowed try and a fatal penalty in a scrum

Cobus Reinach et les Montpelliérains ont baissé pavillon en deuxième mi-temps. MAXPPP – LAURENT DARD

Auteurs d’une première période de qualité, les Montpelliérains ont craqué physiquement en deuxième période. Mentalement, un essai refusé de Lenni Nouchi (37e) et une pénalité en mêlée (41e) ont fait mal.

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It has become a habit at MHR this season. When Montpellier are denied a try, a weak moment systematically follows. This was the case against Lyon (22-26) at the start of the season, against Racing 92 (21-17) or the Lions (28-5) at home. Against Toulouse, this Saturday, the refusal of Lenni Nouchi's try (37th) was even harder to digest for Billy Vunipola's teammates. Already because it could have allowed them to go to 8-0 just before the break, allowing them to hurt the Red and Black's head even more. But especially because every point counts against the best team on the continent.

The referee's decision to refuse the try after checking the video caused quite a bit of controversy. Was there a foul beforehand by Jordan Uelese, who came to the aerial duel with Dimitri Delibes ? Everyone will have their own opinion. “Apparently, Jordan doesn't look at the ball when he's in the fight. I'll have to look at the rules. It hurts us a bit”, slipped the manager, Joan Caudullo. Result, only 3-0 at half-time.

“Luckily there is this disallowed try”

The second blow came at the exit of the locker room. Mallia sent straight into touch. Scrum in the middle of the field for Montpellier. A godsend, when you know the quality of the Héraultais in this sector. Finally, a penalty for Toulouse and an equaliser in the process.

“Fortunately there was this disallowed try […] At the start of the second half, when you win a penalty on their strong point, with our pack, it makes everyone happy”, acknowledged Stade winger Mathis Lebel.

Two actions at short intervals that precipitated the Montpellier players' relaxation, subsequently running out of energy and more exposed to the Toulouse players' murderous counterattacks.

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