Montpellier smothers Stade Français 25-15, advances to Top 14 final against Toulouse

A defensive masterclass in Marseille

Montpellier justified its status as the Top 14's best defense by conceding only four penalties and keeping Stade Français scoreless in the second half. The Parisians, who averaged 34 points across 27 matches this season, were limited to a single try and three penalties. Montpellier manager Joan Caudullo had reminded his team of a 35-12 defeat at Jean-Bouin in October, and the response was a suffocating performance that yielded just one real attacking threat for the opposition.

Scrum dominance turns the tide

After a balanced first half, the Montpellier pack took control early in the second period. Stade Français' scrum was penalised five times between the 43rd and 77th minutes, particularly under pressure from props Enzo Forletta and Wilfrid Hounkpatin. The Parisian set-piece, which had dominated opponents all season, crumbled at a critical stage.

One moment of danger

A single surge threatened to undo the Héraultais' work. At the 67th minute, with the score 22-15, prop Enzo Forletta lost possession and Louis Carbonel booted the ball ahead for Joe Marchant, who sprinted toward the try line. A converted try would have levelled the match with under 15 minutes remaining. Winger Donovan Taofifenua chased back to make a try-saving tackle that preserved the lead.

“We won the arm wrestle. At half-time we told them to keep going: one team would eventually crack. My only regret is that we dominated without scoring. We had three chances that could have given us the try to free us earlier. We're proud of the image of the Montpellier club today.”

Eyes on the Stade de France

Montpellier now faces Toulouse in the final on Saturday 28 June at the Stade de France. The club is chasing its second Top 14 title, after winning in 2022, and its recent revival follows a difficult period. Captain Lenni Nouchi acknowledged the scale of the challenge.

“The goal was to dominate the opponent, and we succeeded. But we lacked precision in the scoring zone. We won because we stayed on them and put pressure on for 80 minutes. Against a team like Toulouse, that won't be enough. We were very happy when the match ended, but it's only a step. We can dream of a second title after our Challenge Cup.”

Second-row Florian Verhaeghe, who began his career at Toulouse, described the final as the match he will need to play the best game of his life.

Stade Français looks ahead

Despite elimination, the Parisians reflected on a completed season. Fullback Léo Barré said the team would "relativise" the disappointment and return next year with even greater ambition.

“There is a bit of sadness and a bit of disappointment, but we will put it in perspective. We will come back next year with the desire to do even better.”

Season average34

Semi-final vs Montpellier15

Season average

34 points

Semi-final vs Montpellier

15 points

Data from the article text