Winning return for Montpellier, strong emotions in La Rochelle... What to remember from Saturday's matches in the Champions Cup

The Champions Cup is back. Before wondering about the identity of the successor of the Union Bordeaux-Bègles, double title holder, it's time for the group stage. On Friday, UBB opened the way for the French clubs, drawing on the Gloucester pitch (36-36). Five other representatives of the Top 14 experienced their entry into the running, Saturday October 17. La Rochelle and Montpellier experienced victory when Racing 92, Stade Français and Clermont all suffered a defeat without a defensive bonus.

Montpellier victorious in Bath for its comeback

Not seen in the Champions Cup for four years, the MHR has made a winning comeback by beating the odds. The Montpellier residents overthrew Bath, outgoing semi-finalist, on their own lawn (32-14). Trailing 14-10 at halftime, they reversed the standoff in a perfect second act defensively (won 22-0). Donovan Taofifenua scored twice (47th, 62nd), Simon Hogg scored the first try (11th) and Alexandre Bécognée the fourth and last (74th).

La Rochelle, a solid victory and a vibrant tribute

La Rochelle offered, late Saturday afternoon, the first French victory in this Champions Cup, with an improved success against the Lions (31-14), in a necessarily special context. The South African franchise, which was playing in the first European Cup in its history, had just lost its second row Hyron Andrews, found dead on Friday at the age of 31 in the Île de Ré hotel where the team was staying. His partners had chosen to play despite the drama, with their teammate in their thoughts. They were accompanied by deep emotion at Marcel-Deflandre, with La Rochelle supporters notably forming a guard of honor upon their arrival at the stadium.

On the field, the Lions struck first, but the Maritimes quickly took control, with tries from Tevita Ofa and Oscar Jegou. After returning to the locker room with a five-point lead (19-14), Ronan O'Gara's men gradually took the upper hand, thanks in particular to their power on the ball. Tola Latu then Avakuki Niusalelekitoga provided the offensive bonus. At the final whistle, a new guard of honor from La Rochelle, then a long ovation accompanied the South African players, in a tribute as sober as it was poignant to Hyron Andrews.

Clermont, Stade Français and Racing 92 start with a setback

Clermont and Stade Français had a much more complicated first day. ASM has long held out hope of an exploit against Leinster. Leading at the break (16-15), the Jaunards finally gave up completely after returning from the locker room. The Dublin province scored 33 points in the second half, to win largely (48-23) with seven tries, including a double from Dan Sheehan. A demonstration which confirms the ambitions of Leinster, finalist of the last five editions that it has played at this stage, including that of 2025 against UBB, hung on Friday evening by Gloucester.

The Parisians, for their part, suffered a new correction at the Pretoria Bulls (56-20), two years after having already fallen heavily in South Africa (48-7). Deprived of many executives, the Pink Soldiers resisted for almost an hour before completely giving in to the South Africans, authors of eight tries, including three for winger Cheswill Jooste. A new disillusionment for Stade Français, which hoped to erase the memory of its previous visit to Loftus Versfeld.

Later in the evening, Racing 92 also lost after a hard-fought match against the Irish from Munster (25-33). The Racingmen ended the evening frustrated, having abandoned their defensive bonus at the last minute. The attempts of Maxime Machenaud (53rd) and Joey Manu (67th) had nevertheless given reason to hope for success.