Montpellier send Toulon back to defeat in Top 14

Montpellier moved up to fifth place in the Top 14 after taking maximum points against Toulon, while the defeat sent the visitors back to 13th. The result halted Toulon’s momentum after their first win of the season against Vannes and leaves them under pressure before next weekend’s home fixture against Racing 92.

Montpellier won 28-0 at the Stade de la Mosson in a match played in heavy rain. Domingo Miotti kicked three penalties before Christopher Tolofua and Wilfried Hounkpatin crossed after half-time. Hounkpatin added a second try late on, securing the attacking bonus and a five-point return for the hosts.

Toulon struggled to impose itself in difficult conditions and failed to score throughout the match. Their problems at scrum time helped Montpellier establish control, while Charles Ollivon was shown a yellow card after the first try. Montpellier also lost Baptiste Erdocio to injury during the opening half, then saw Lenni Nouchi dismissed with an orange card shortly after entering the game for a high tackle on Swann Rebbadj. Despite finishing with 14 players, Montpellier kept Toulon away from the try line and completed a decisive home victory.