Dragons Fall to Montpellier in European Challenge Cup Opener

The Dragons experienced a narrow defeat to Montpellier in their European Challenge Cup opening match, held in Newport under challenging weather conditions. Montpellier’s wing Madosh Tambwe scored the first try of the game. The final score was Dragons 14 (Tries: Basham, O’Brien; Conversions: O’Brien 2) to Montpellier 18 (Tries: Tambwe, Tauleigne; Conversions: Barreau; Penalties: Barreau 2). This European fixture proceeded despite Storm Darragh causing widespread cancellations across the Welsh sporting weekend’s schedule. An official attendance of 4,012 spectators endured the harsh weather at Rodney Parade. During the first half, the Dragons contended with a strong headwind, while Montpellier asserted dominance in the initial quarter, notably through their powerful scrum. Montpellier’s fly-half Aurelien Barreau successfully converted two penalties. Subsequently, wing Madosh Tambwe and number eight Marco Tauleigne each scored tries, building an 18-point advantage for their team. The Dragons then rallied, with Wales flanker Taine Basham marking his 100th appearance by scoring a try. Full-back Angus O’Brien then added another try, a result of good teamwork, and the captain also successfully kicked two conversions against the wind. The second half saw no further points scored. O’Brien missed a penalty attempt, and the home side could not capitalize on having the wind advantage, as Montpellier’s scrum maintained its superiority. Replacement prop Aki Seiuli was prevented from scoring over Montpellier’s try line. A subsequent period of intense pressure from the Dragons and an extended review by the television match official (TMO) ultimately yielded no points, allowing the French team to secure their victory. Neither team played with their full-strength squad. Montpellier, currently ninth in France’s Top14 league, deployed a predominantly second-string team for the trip to Wales, though they did include some first-team regulars. The Dragons were without flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes, who recently underwent surgery to amputate the ring finger on his right hand. The Dragons were the inaugural Welsh team to compete in the Challenge Cup this season. All four professional Welsh teams are participating in Europe’s second-tier tournament, with both finals scheduled to take place in Cardiff. This match marked the second game for Filo Tiatia as the Dragons’ interim head coach, following the departure of Dai Flanagan. The home side delivered another determined performance, which regrettably concluded in another loss. The Gwent-based team currently occupies the bottom position in the United Rugby Championship (URC), having suffered defeats in all six matches since their opening day home victory against Ospreys. Dragons interim head coach Filo Tiatia commented: “The mood is quite sombre and the realisation of opportunities missed again.” He added: “We weren’t clinical enough and there were some moments where we did not play as a team. We just have to learn faster.” The Dragons squad included: Angus O’Brien (capt); Rio Dyer, Harry Wilson, Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser; Will Reed, Morgan Lloyd; Josh Reynolds, James Benjamin, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Ryan Woodman, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright. Replacements were: Sam Scarfe, Aki Seiuli, Luke Yendle, George Nott, Barny Langton-Cryer, Dane Blacker, Cai Evans, Jared Rosser. Montpellier’s lineup featured: Julien Tisseron; George Bridge, Thomas Darmon, Arthur Vincent (capt), Madosh Tambwe; Aurelien Barreau, Alexis Bernadet; Enzo Forletta, Lyam Akrab, Mohamed Haouas, Florian Verhaeghe, Tyler DuGuid, Nicolas Martins, Youssouf Soucouna, Marco Tauleigne. Replacements included: Vano Karkadze, Luca Tabarot, Wilfrid Hounkpatin, Jules Veyrier, Alex Becognee, Ryan Louwrens, Thomas Vincent, Christa Powell. The match officials were: Referee Morne Ferreira (SARU), Assistant referees Aimee Barrett-Theron & Christopher Allison (SARU), and TMO Marius Jonker (SARU).