A nail-biting match saw the Ospreys fall short against Montpellier, setting the stage for an away knockout tie in the Challenge Cup. This defeat means the Welsh side will have to fight for their place on foreign soil. Let's dive into the details!
The Ospreys fought hard, scoring 26 points, but Montpellier clinched the victory with 31 points. The try scorers for the Ospreys were Watkin, and Lloyd with two tries, and Moriarty. Walsh added 3 conversions. Montpellier's tries came from Masibaka (2), Ducros, and Hounkpatin, with Hogg converting 4 times and Coly kicking a penalty.
Montpellier took an early lead, going up 21-7 thanks to Masibaka's two tries and one from Ducros. But the Ospreys roared back, with Lloyd's brace, and tries from Watkin and Moriarty, briefly taking the lead. However, Hounkpatin's try, Hogg's conversions, and Coly's late penalty sealed the win for Montpellier.
After a perfect run in December, the Ospreys finished fourth in their pool. Now, they face either Benetton or Ulster away in the last 16. Montpellier, on the other hand, topped the group stages, earning a maximum 20 points, and will host Perpignan.
A bold move by Ospreys' coach, Mark Jones, involved making 13 changes to the team. Only James Fender and Jack Walsh remained in the starting lineup. Notably, Wales captain Dewi Lake was out with a shoulder injury. Adam Beard, who had moved from Ospreys to Montpellier, was also absent due to injury.
Controversially, Hogg, playing at fly-half for Montpellier, was booed by the crowd every time he touched the ball. But he stayed focused, converting Masibaka's opening try. Ospreys responded with a well-executed try from Watkin.
After Gleeson's knee injury, Ducros took advantage of a loose play to score. Masibaka intercepted Walsh's pass for his second try. Lloyd's try before halftime brought the Ospreys closer, trailing 21-14. Moriarty's try helped Ospreys take the lead, but Hounkpatin's try and Hogg's conversion put Montpellier back in front. Coly's late penalty sealed the win.
Ospreys: Nagy; Kasende, Watkin, Cokanasiga, Conbeer; Walsh (capt), Morgan-Williams; S Thomas, L Lloyd, Henry, R Davies, Fender, de Witt, G Evans, Morris. Replacements: Daniel, C Jones, Hire, L Jones, Moriarty, Morse, Hardy, Hopkins.
Montpellier: Taofifenua; Ducros, Darmon, Cadot, Rates; Hogg, Bernadet; Welsch, Uelese (capt), Tolofua, Tauleigne, Uhila, Becognee, Masibaka, Gleeson. Replacements: Akrab, Erdocio, Hounkpatin, DuGuid, Shand, Baraer, Coly, Tangata.
Referee: Federico Vedovelli (Ita). Assistants: Franco Rosella (Ita), Luca Bisetto (Ita). TMO: Stefano Roscini (Ita).
What do you think of the coach's decision to make so many changes? Do you think the Ospreys can overcome the away tie? Share your thoughts below!
