Montpellier shut out Bath after half-time to win Champions Cup opener 32-14

Montpellier scored 22 unanswered second-half points to beat Bath 32-14 at The Rec in their Champions Cup Pool Four opener. According to BBC Sport's match report, Donovan Taofifenua crossed twice after the interval as the visitors turned a four-point deficit into victory, with Alex Becognee adding a late try to complete the scoring.

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Bath entered the match having scored at least 33 points in each of their first three Premiership games of the season, but their European campaign began with a less productive attacking display. They had a try disallowed in each half and failed to add to their 14-point interval total. Montpellier, last season's Challenge Cup winners and Top 14 runners-up, took advantage of those missed opportunities.

Max Ojomoh was denied an early Bath try because of a knock-on before Stuart Hogg opened the scoring for Montpellier. Bath responded through England centre Ollie Lawrence, who powered over in the corner, and number eight Arthur Green, whose sidestep helped him cross for the hosts' second try. Finn Russell converted both, while an Adam Hastings penalty kept Montpellier within reach at 14-10 before half-time.

The opening stages of the second half brought another opportunity for Bath, but Joe Cokanasiga could not gather a pass cleanly with the line in front of him. Montpellier soon made the hosts pay: Taofifenua finished in the corner to move the visitors ahead 15-14. Hastings then extended the advantage with another penalty, leaving Bath needing a response after surrendering their lead.

Montpellier's defence held firm before Taofifenua delivered a second decisive contribution. The winger intercepted a Russell pass around halfway and outran the pursuing defenders to score again. Josh Bayliss subsequently crossed for Bath, but an earlier infringement meant the try did not count. Becognee then forced his way over from close range in the closing minutes to secure Montpellier's win.

Bath joined Sale, Bristol and Saracens in losing their opening pool matches on Saturday, following Gloucester's draw with defending champions Bordeaux on Friday. Their remaining pool opponents are Cardiff, Bulls and Stade Francais. Bulls had already demonstrated their attacking threat earlier on Saturday, beating Stade Francais 56-20 with eight tries, including a Cheswill Jooste hat-trick.