Taofifenua double drives Montpellier comeback in 32-14 win at Bath

Montpellier overturned a half-time deficit to defeat Bath 32-14 at The Rec in their Champions Cup Pool Four opener on Saturday. According to BBC Sport's match report, the French club scored all 22 points of the second half, with two tries from Donovan Taofifenua turning a closely contested match into a decisive away victory.

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Bath entered the fixture having scored at least 33 points in each of their opening three Prem matches, but their European campaign began with a much less productive attacking display. Max Ojomoh had an early try disallowed for a knock-on before Stuart Hogg opened the scoring for Montpellier. Bath responded through Ollie Lawrence, who scored in the corner, and Arthur Green, whose sidestep took him past a defender for another try.

Finn Russell converted both Bath tries, while an Adam Hastings penalty helped Montpellier stay within reach before the break. The hosts led 14-10 at half-time and had an opportunity to extend that advantage early in the second period. Joe Cokanasiga, however, could not gather a pass cleanly with the tryline close, leaving Bath without the extra score that chance had offered.

Montpellier moved ahead soon afterwards when Taofifenua finished in the corner to make it 15-14. Hastings then kicked another penalty, and the visitors followed a sustained defensive effort with a second try from their winger. Taofifenua intercepted Russell's pass around halfway and ran clear of the pursuing Bath players, giving Montpellier further separation after the home side had failed to add to their interval total.

Bath also had a Josh Bayliss try ruled out for an earlier infringement, their second disallowed score of the match. Alex Becognee subsequently crossed from close range in the closing minutes to secure Montpellier's win. The visitors, who won last season's Challenge Cup and were Top 14 finalists, finished with four tries, while Hastings contributed three conversions and two penalties.

The result left Bath alongside Sale, Bristol and Saracens as English clubs beaten in their opening pool matches on Saturday, following Gloucester's draw with Bordeaux on Friday. Bath's other pool opponents are Cardiff, Bulls and Stade Francais. Bulls began with a 56-20 victory over Stade Francais earlier on Saturday, scoring eight tries, including a Cheswill Jooste hat-trick.