Raymond Rhule scored a try as Grenoble beat Montpellier 17-16, while there were also wins for Stade Français, Toulon, La Rochelle, Racing 92 and Castres in the French Top 14.
Despite their expensively assembled squad, Montpellier’s ‘galacticos’ came up short against Grenoble, a side so horribly out of form that they are embroiled in a tight three-way relegation fight.
Montpellier led 13-11 at half-time, courtesy of a converted try by veteran prop Jannie du Plessis, coupled with two penalty kicks from Benoît Paillaugue.
Grenoble sharpshooter Gaëtan Germain had slotted two penalties for the hosts before his teammate and Bok wing Rhule went over on the stroke of half-time to get them within two.
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It was a battle of the boot in the second period, with Germain out-kicking Paillaugue two penalties to one to secure a much- needed victory for Grenoble.
In other results, Stade Français eased to a 19-6 triumph over Agen, Toulon ran in six tries as they whacked Lyon 40-7, La Rochelle beat Pau 28-23 to retain their place in the top three, Bernard le Roux scored one of 10 tries for Racing in their 64-28 demolition of Perpignan, and 14-man Bordeaux were still too strong for Castres as they secured a 32-13 win despite conceding a red card in the 28th minute.
In a top-of-the-table clash on Sunday night, Toulouse fought back from 17-3 down to draw 20-20 with Clermont at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin.
Tries from centre Apisai Naqalevu and wing Peter Betham to go with seven points from Morgan Parra’s boot gave Clermont that commanding lead. But after the break, wing Matthis Lebel and replacement centre Romain Ntamack crossed for Toulouse before Thomas Ramos levelled late on.
Round 12 results:
Grenoble 17 Montpellier 16
Agen 6 Stade Français 19
Toulon 40 Lyon 7
Pau 23 La Rochelle 28
Racing 64 Perpignan 28
Castres 13 Bordeaux 32
Clermont 20 Toulouse 20
Photo: www.fcgrugby.com/fr/
