Jackman’s opener ends with defeat

MONTPELLIER ............... 40 DRAGONS ........................ 15

THE Dragons were well-beaten in their opening pre-season run out, going down to Montpellier in Bernard Jackman’s first game in charge.

The hosts were first to get on the board in Saint-Affrique after they were awarded a penalty try for an illegal tackle on full-back Joffrey Michel and with no conversion needed these days for a penalty try, it was an early 7-0 lead.

The Dragons’ star attraction Gavin Henson got his first points for the region with a penalty in ninth minute but the Top 14 side were soon back at it.

Francois Steyn put Henry Immelman over in the corner for another score that couldn’t be converted before lock Paul Willemse forced his way over and Benoit Paillaugue added the extras.

But the Dragons hit back on the half hour mark with a penalty try of their own when the hosts were pinged for repeated infringements in their own 22, giving the Welsh region a bit of confidence.

Though it was short-lived as Springbok Bismarck Du Plessis put Yvan Reilhac over for Montpellier’s fourth try of the evening, the conversion from Paillaugue making the scores 26-10.

But there was still time for one more try before half time, this time Du Plessis went over himself and the conversion made it 33-10 at the break.

The Dragons scored again early in the second half to offer yet more hope but then a bit of a stalemate ensued.

That was until Australian international wing Joe Tomane touched down eight minutes from time, with South African scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar knocking over the two-pointer.

And that ended the scoring on the night as the hosts ran out the victors.

Dragons will take another squad to face Aviva Premiership outfit Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens today (3pm), with South African star Zane Kirchner set to start.