The third round of Top 14 action gets underway this Saturday and there's a massive fixture in store with a somewhat rejuvenated Montpellier side taking on log leaders and reigning champions and current log-leaders Toulouse. Our rugby writer takes an in-depth look at that game as well as gives his tips for the remaining fixtures.
Montpellier v Toulouse
Saturday 18 September
GGL Stadium
17:00
To Win (80 Mins)
Montpellier
Draw
Toulouse
So, Montpellier face a real acid test this coming weekend as after drawing with Toulon and beating Brive 39-17 they take on big dogs, Toulouse, who have started their season with impressive wins over La Rochelle 16-20 and Toulon 41-10.
Despite the solid win last time out, the Montpellier brain’s trust will be slightly annoyed as they failed to push on from their 32-5 half-time lead and only managed to score seven points in the second half while conceding 12. This failure to kick on robbed them of what seemed a guaranteed bonus point when the teams walked in for the half-time break.
Toulouse, on the other hand, will have been ecstatic with their dominant win over Toulon as they conceded just one try while scoring six of their own. There was a fantastic showing from former Western Force man Zach Holmes with the utility back starring in the outside center berth. Fullback Thomas Ramos also had a blinder scoring 16 points, which will have eased Toulouse fans’ fears that Cheslin Kolbe would not be easily replaced.
Verdict: Toulouse
I fancy Montpellier to put up a fight here but can’t see them bagging the win. reckon Toulouse takes this one.
Other Tips
Lyon Win v Perpignan
Pau Win v Brive
Racing Win v Biarritz
Castres Win v Bordeaux
Clermont Win v La Rochelle
Stade Win v Toulon
