Watch: Newcastle Falcons pile on 39 phases to stun another French giant
A stunning attacking effort in over time has captured the Falcons second major victory in as many weeks in the Heineken Champions Cup, after refusing to go down to French giants Montpellier.
The match extended until the 90th minute as Falcons threw the kitchen sink at Montpellier in search of a game-winning score.
Montpellier defended their line for 39 phases before Callum Chick crashed over in a Herculean, never-say-never team effort.
The movement started deep in their own half with only 20 seconds remaining on the clock, before recieving a relieving penalty to have one final crack. Inch-by-inch they crept closer with a forward-led assault by the Falcons pack, piling on carry after carry to break the visitors down.
For a side that has languished at the bottom of the Premiership ladder, the Champions Cup has been a season-reviver for the Falcons, after stunning Galacticos Toulon last weekend they have followed it up with an even better encore over Montpellier.
Director of Rugby Dean Richards insists that his side are still "minnows" in the Pool following the two shock wins.
"Things haven't changed. We are still the minnows and we still have absolutely nothing to lose. We weren't given a hope in hell of winning one, never mind two games in the pool.
"We play Edinburgh in December and they are a fantastic team; they are on fire. They have something like 15 current full internationals. We're not in that position so we still have nothing to lose."
Montpellier head coach Vern Cotter praised the hosts for their ability to stay composed at the end and take their chance.
"They managed to keep the ball for eight minutes at the end of the game to win and you have to give them credit for that - it's a sign of a good team.
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Go to commentsI just can't agree with 8.5 for Ross Byrne. A 6 at best I would think.
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