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Former All Black sees red as Agen stun Montpellier
By Tom Webber
Jarrad Hoeata saw red in the sixth minute as Top 14 leaders Montpellier suffered a surprise 31-29 defeat to Agen at Stade Armandie on Saturday.
Former All Black lock Hoeata was dismissed for dangerous play as Agen pushed for an early try, with the hosts taking full advantage to claim back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Despite going down to 14 men early on, tries from Louis Picamoles and Jesse Mogg sent Montpellier ahead.
Tamaz Mchedlidze and Johann Sadie closed the gap before a yellow card for Paul Willemse further enhanced Agen's numerical advantage, Jake McIntyre and Filipo Nakosi punishing the visitors' indiscipline with another two scores.
A penalty from McIntyre restored their nine-point lead after Joe Tomane crossed, with Montpellier unable to push on for a win after Aaron Cruden converted Romain Ruffenach's 71st-minute try.
Racing 92 closed the gap to Montpellier to just three points with Brice Dulin and Marc Andreu dotting down in a 17-13 victory over Brive.
Lyon got back to winning ways with the boot of Mike Harris seeing them past Toulon 15-6, Pau moved up to fourth with a 29-27 victory over Castres and Toulouse overcame Bordeaux-Begles, who had Thierry Paiva sent off, 25-19.
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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