Ace Cruden In Control As Montpellier Make Mark

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.