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Montpellier late show sinks Clermont, Stade pummelled by Pau
By Christopher Devine
Clermont Auvergne's hopes of qualifying for the Top 14 play-offs were dented in dramatic fashion as they were beaten 30-29 by Montpellier thanks to a last-gasp converted try.
Nemani Nadolo powered over for a score that was confirmed by the video referee in the 79th minute and Ruan Pienaar held his nerve to split the posts for a match-clinching conversion.
Montpellier return to the top of the table as a result, but Clermont remain well adrift of the top six having again failed to transfer their European Champions Cup form to the domestic league.
A spectacular finish from Mali Hingano had looked set to earn last year's Top 14 winners and Champions Cup runners-up victory on Sunday, the replacement diving over a pile of bodies for his side's second try.
Greig Laidlaw converted both and also added five penalties, but Montpellier – who had crossed twice in the first half through Louis Picamoles – stole victory after piling on the pressure late on.
Struggling Stade Francais suffered a 40-5 thrashing at home to Pau in Greg Cooper's final game in charge of the capital club.
It was announced earlier this month that Cooper would return to New Zealand for personal reasons, the former All Black subsequently citing his daughter's ill health.
"Mentally, we were not there," said Stade skipper Sergio Parisse. "It's our responsibility. We do not look for an excuse."
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Latest Comments
Yet Ethan Blackadder was one of our best against the World Champion Springbok. When he came back to the Crusaders later in the season , he made a huge difference, ( a long with others like Codie Taylor), we nearly made the Play Off's. Ethan has plenty of rugby left in him. His family , Dad Todd Blackadder must be very [proud of him. Todd Blackadder was a 3 time champion captain of the Crusaders, '98, '99 and 2000.An icon in this area. Also twice captain of Canterbury , '97 and 2001 when we won the NPC and Ranfurly Shield winning captain in 2000.
Go to commentsIt's the same criticism of Dmac and Mo'unga as well. Sadly the way the game has been heading recently it's the only way to break down a defence, and a player of Lawrences nature would have a very limited chance at doing that because he's too one dimensional.
Noah Lolesio is your sort of player and that worked OK, but only because his team is far more creative than Englands for example. The highly organized Irish attack was also another that didn't require much from the 10, but that is now changing with Prendergast who is in that league mold like the most new age 10's.
So it is in fact your two which would require even more change to make the most of than Marcus Smith.
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