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.
Denne historien er fra August 27, 2017-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 27, 2017-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
England can find a little bit of cheer
SO HERE we are on the final day of England’s autumn international series with all of us hoping and expecting Steve Borthwick’s team to win today after three weeks of bitter disappointment.
Stop messing with Marcus - Campese
DAVID Campese believes England are going backwards under Steve Borthwick, who is ‘messing around’ with talisman Marcus Smith.
Being a Lion was the highlight of my career
I PLAYED 19 games and scored 219 points for the Lions, on the tours to South Africa in 1968 and New Zealand in 1971, but I never played in a Test and that was fair enough.
Cook's crew not fazed as they eye tilt at top half
THERE appear to be few signs of second season syndrome at Westcombe Park as captain Nick Cook reveals the group aren’t even contemplating the threat of relegation and are instead targeting a top-half finish.
Forwards pack a punch for the Reds
OLD Redcliffians produced a proud defensive effort to take a bonus-point win.
Tom 'Ailes' the achievements of inspirational skipper Riley
SEDGLEY Park No. 8 Tom Ailes says his team relish the competitive nature of National One and is confident the Tigers can rectify their rocky start to the season in weeks to come.
Strachan confident Ampthill will be firing again soon
FRASER Strachan is determined to put Ampthill’s leaky defensive showings behind them and gain some much needed confidence in the run up to Christmas.
It's a whole new ball game for Rigg
WILL Rigg’s ambition was to become a professional cricketer but it is the oval ball rather than The Oval that is his driver now.
Scarratt leads the way for Lightning
LOUGHBOROUGH won a wet and windy East Midlands Derby after having the bonus point in the bag by half-time.
Becconsall: We need to release pressure
WILL Becconsall says Exeter are not spooked by the threat of relegation as they look to turn around their Premiership campaign after starting with six straight defeats.
