Montpellier, under the new control of former Clermont and Scotland boss Vern Cotter, are generally considered to be the new hotshots of the Top 14.
And, although their opponents yesterday were promoted Agen, they did nothing to damage their image as serious contenders.
Especially as, among the expensive recruits assembled by ambitious president Mohed Altrad, appeared new fly-half Aaron Cruden, still around the peak of his All Black powers.
Cruden was behind most of the menace that helped Montpellier beat Agen 48-19, orchestrating perfectly through boot and hand a team happy to hand him the role of maestro.
It took him only ten minutes to bewilder Agen with an unexpected cross-kick that allowed giant Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo to plunder the opening try from 40 metres.
Cruden was then instrumental in creating the second first-half try for Aussie winger Joe Tomane with a quickly-taken penalty. The floodgates were open.
Agen, whose survival chances are increased by a Top 14 decision to relegate the bottom club only while giving the second bottom a play-off against the loser of the Division Two final, could scarcely have had a more formidable baptism.
In the end, they conceded seven tries, the others coming at regular intervals from full-back Benjamin Fall, No.8 Martin Devergie, centre Alexandre Dumoulin, sub hooker Romain Ruffenach and South African flanker Wiaan Liebenberg.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 27, 2017-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 27, 2017-Ausgabe von The Rugby Paper.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
England show who's No.1
ENGLAND women’s head coach John Mitchell says his side will take valuable lessons from the 24-12 win over world champions New Zealand as they build towards their WXV1 title defence.
Skivington: We're going to roll dice and go for it
THE Cherry and Whites are the enigmas of the Premiership.
Looking to go one step beyond this time around
NE small step is what it will take for Bath to go one better than last season and secure the Premiership for the first time, but it would be one of the biggest taken by the club in the professional era.
Four-try England make it 17 wins on the spin
ENGLAND women opened the Allianz Stadium era at HQ with a victory over New Zealand to make it 17 wins on the bounce before their WXV title defence.
Time for Borthwick to prove his worth
HONEYMOON periods are not set in stone and in my estimation Steve Borthwick’s ends this summer. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still in good shape.
Barrington ready to power up the Mob
RICHARD Barrington has signed up to the Ampthill “Mob” reassured that he’ll still have a target on his back most weeks.
Skivington keen to build identity
GLOUCESTER won their first trophy for nine years last season and reached the Challenge Cup final, but when George Skivington went on holiday the day after the campaign ended the words in his head were never again.
Roebuck targets England success
WINNING a maiden England Test cap to top the best season of his career will not be enough for Sale winger Tom Roebuck.
Booth: Tough telling players I was leaving
TOBY Booth admits telling his Ospreys players that he would be leaving at the end of the season was one of the hardest things he has had to do in his career.
Stephens' debut try sees off old rivals
DORKING had to dig deep in another tight game between two old rivals, with the lead changing hands twice and result in doubt right up to the final whistle.
