RYAN SMITH ON BENCH AS MONTAUBAN LOSE TO BIARRITZ

5th January 2008

Montauban were unable to match their victory over Stade Francais last week, with a win over Biarritz on Friday evening 4th January 2008. Brampton's Ryan Smith was on the replacements bench for this disjointed T14 match on a cold, still Friday night in Biarritz. However, he got the call at 49 minutes to replace Jahouer in the centres. Biarritz still squeaked through by 10-8.

Each of the teams had a good half. Biarritz started well, and they scored the first try after a great beak by Julien Dupuy. At half time they led by 10-0.

However, it was Montauban who finished much the stronger. From a recovered ball, Caballero attacked the short side from his own 22 metre area. He kicked the ball on to South African international Willemse, who misplayed the ball. Montauban full back Fortassin won the foot race to the ball in the in-goal.

A few minutes later, Montauban renewed hope with a 55 metre penalty goal. The last twenty minutes of the match were tense. In the three final minutes, Biarritz just managed to hold out, saved by a piece of wood when a drop six minutes from time hit an upright and stayed out. "The win was on," said Montauban Coach Laurent Travers. Montauban take a bonus point for their efforts.