Montpellier Narrowly Avoids Shock Relegation Scare in Tense Top 14 Playoff

Montpellier, the reigning Top 14 champions, found themselves in a precarious situation as they faced off against Grenoble in a relegation playoff match. The French giants, who had finished the season in 13th place, were forced to fight for their survival in the top division.

Bernard Laporte’s side was pushed to the brink, with Grenoble, the runners-up in the Pro D2, taking an early lead through a try from Ben Lam. However, Montpellier fought back, with Gabriel N’Gandebe scoring a try of their own to level the scores.

The game remained tightly contested, with Grenoble’s Sam Davies putting his side ahead with a well-executed cross-kick try. But Montpellier refused to be defeated, and a late penalty conversion from Louis Carbonel secured a narrow 20-18 victory for the defending champions.

The win was a massive relief for Montpellier, who have been busy strengthening their squad for the upcoming season, signing players like Mohamed Haouas, Billy Vunipola, and Nicolás Martins. They are also rumored to be close to acquiring the services of Madosh Tambwe and Stuart Hogg.

The Unpredictable Nature of the Top 14

The close call in the relegation playoff serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Top 14 competition. Montpellier, who had won the championship just a year earlier, found themselves in a precarious position, showcasing the intensity and competitiveness of the French rugby union landscape.

Grenoble’s efforts to finish in the top-6 of the Pro D2 despite a six-point deduction were nothing short of remarkable, and they will look to build on this performance as they strive for promotion to the Top 14 in the future.

The narrow victory for Montpellier will undoubtedly provide a sense of relief and renewed determination as they prepare to defend their Top 14 title in the upcoming season.

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