In a nail-biting encounter on March 22, 2025, Section Paloise edged out Montpellier in a dramatic 40-38 victory at the Hameau stadium, thanks to a clutch drop goal from Joe Simmonds just as the final whistle blew. The match was crucial in the fight for a spot in the Top 8 of the Top 14 league, with both teams tied on points prior to kick-off.
Montpellier, enduring a challenging season, started strong, leveraging their experience in key positions. The game’s tempo was immediately set by Montpellier, which scored early through a penalty by Reus, followed by a well-placed try from Reinach that pushed the score to 3-8 within the first 15 minutes. As the match progressed, Ngandebe added a second try for Montpellier, extending their lead to 3-15.
Despite being under pressure, Section Paloise showed remarkable determination. Theo Attissogbe, who returned to Pau after celebrating a Six Nations victory with France, played a pivotal role in igniting his team’s response. In a swift counter-attack, Grandidier-Nkanang scored a try, narrowing the gap to 10-15. The momentum continued to shift as penalties against Montpellier saw them ending the first half a man down, which Pau capitalized on. After being awarded a penalty try, they surged ahead to lead 24-18 at halftime.
Benson Stanley, previously a key player for Section Paloise and now coaching at Montpellier, expressed the significance of the match: "If you lose, you find yourself very quickly in trouble." His team’s early lead seemed promising, but the resilience displayed by Pau was undeniable.
After halftime, Pau’s momentum continued as they scored another try, this time from Brau-Boirie, extending their lead to 31-18. Montpellier, however, bounced back with efforts from Vunipola and Vincent, bringing the score to a close 31-30, and setting up a tense conclusion to the match.
As the game approached its conclusion, Ngandebe scored again for Montpellier, putting them ahead at 34-35. Joe Simmonds responded with a penalty, recapturing the lead at 37-35 for Pau. Just when it seemed Montpellier might seize the day, Bouthier slotted a late penalty that put Montpellier ahead again, 37-38.
With time running out, Pau regrouped. On the resumption, they scrapped for possession, showcasing their resolve. In the final moments, Daubagna set up Simmonds at a crucial position. The young fly-half, known for his precision, took the opportunity and executed a perfect drop goal that secured a 40-38 victory for Section Paloise. The moment was monumental, echoed in the words of a commentator, who noted, "The drop kick will go down in history."
This exhilarating victory marked a significant milestone for Pau, lifting them to seventh place in the Top 14, just two points behind Lou Rugby and Castres. In contrast, Montpellier faces an uphill battle to maintain competitiveness, having shown flashes of brilliance but ultimately struggling with consistency.
Post-match, Joe Simmonds reflected on the team's perseverance, stating, "We’ve made mistakes, but that’s rugby, and you have to keep learning from them." His words echoed the sentiment shared among players in the locker room. As for Pau, this win not only reinforced their competitive spirit but also revitalized their hopes for a strong finish in the current season.
With the playoffs growing nearer, both teams will take critical lessons from this match. For Section Paloise, the future looks brighter as they gain momentum in the league. Meanwhile, Montpellier will need to harness their strengths and rectify errors to regain form as the season progresses.
