Half time at the Stade Yves and Montpellier lead Brive by 12 points to 3 thanks to the accurate boot of Paillague. From a territory point of view the game has very much been played in the away side's half. It has been a very positive first half from the hosts as an encouraging attacking display is awarded with a nine point lead. They may feel they have missed out on try opportunities somewhat with Brive doing their very best to hold them out. There is no doubt that Brive have been dominated so far by a superior side but maybe some harsh words at half time can kick them into gear. Stay tuned for the second half!
Goderzi Shvelidze earns himself the first yellow card of the game as a result of some intentional "lazy running" by the loose head. Poite does well to spot this cynical attempt at slowing the offensive movement.
Not releasing the man on the floor gifts Paillague the opportunity for 3 more. Montpellier now lead the visitors by 12 points to 3
Excellent period of offensive play there from Montpellier as they continue to pick holes in the Brive defensive line, some beautiful hands on the gain line gave them them opportunity for a try and Trinh-Duc almost got the first of the game had it not been for some great scrambling. After relentless pressure Brive eventually gave away a penalty for off side which Paillague nails from a close range.
Laranjeira yet again misses the posts off a penalty opportunity. That's now 2 in a rown for the inside centre who is maybe lacking some confidence with the boot
Cynical play by Waqaniburotu at the breakdown gave Poite no choice but to award the home side a penalty directly infront of the posts. Paillague has no issue converting this into points, increasing Montpelliers lead to 6
Brive starting to gain a little more control in this game as it becomes a less one sided affair. Montpellier still only lead by 3 points to nil
Poite extremely strict at scrum time. He's awarding free kicks to both sides as a result of indiscipline from opposition front rows
Montpellier continue to expose weakness in Brive's defence outwide gifting Trinh-Duc the opportunity to slot a drop goal. Encouraging start from the host's so far
Penalty to Brive 10 metres in from the touch line 35 metres out as a result of offside. Thomas Laranjeira fails to convert