European Challenge Cup
Ospreys (14) 26
Tries Watkin, Lloyd 2, Moriarty Cons: Walsh 3
Montpellier (21) 31
Tries: Masibaka 2, Ducros, Hounkpatin Cons: Hogg 4 Pen: Coly
Mark Jones’ side will now face an away tie in the last-16 in April after being edged out in a nine-try thriller in Bridgend.
The French side had started the stronger and built up a 21-7 lead with the Ospreys sloppy in possession. Flanker Alex Masibaka scored a brace, in between an Owen Watkin score for the home side.
Wing Jules Ducros would then benefit from a loose pass to sprint clear and race over before Ospreys came storming back, threatening a surprise on the high-flying Top 14 side.
Replacement Ross Moriarty’s physicality and carrying at the heart of the comeback as hooker Lewis Lloyd grabbed a double off the driving maul either side of the break, before Moriarty’s performance was rewarded with a score of his own as the hosts took the lead.
The French, however, would show their composure to fight back late with a try from replacement prop Wilfrid Hounkpatin, who sealed the victory to maintain their 100% competition record.
Ospreys who finished fourth in their pool behind Zebre and Connacht, will now face either Benetton or Ulster away in the last-16, depending on the Italian side’s result at Lyon on Sunday.
Ospreys starting XV:
15. Max Nagy, 14. Dan Kasande, 13. Owen Watkin, 12. Phil Cokansiga, 11. Ryan Conbeer, 10. Jack Walsh (captain), 9. Reuban Morgan-Williams, 1. Steff Thomas, 2. Lewis Lloyd, 3. Rhys Henry, 4. Rhys Davies, 5. James Fender, 6. Marco de Witt, 7. Gwilym Evans, 8. Morgan Morris.
Replacements:
16. Efan Daniel, 17. Cameron Jones, 18. Kieran Hire, 19. Lewis Jones, 20. Ross Moriarty, 20. Morgan Morse, 22. Kieran Hardy, 23. Iestyn Hopkins.
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
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