Heineken Cup hosts just too good – Deano

NEWCASTLE director of rugby Dean Richards admitted his young Falcons side found a “world-class” Montpellier side too good as their Heineken Champions Cup dream ended in the French sun.

The home side’s forwards bossed the game and they crossed through Timoci Nagusa and Yvan Reilhac before the break before cutting loose in the second period.

Henry Immelman added a brace of tries and further French scores came from Paul Willemse, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and Romain Ruffenach.

Newcastle’s only points came from a Toby Flood penalty and a late Zach Kibirige try.

“Montpellier have a huge amount of world-class players. You’ve got to be on your mettle to beat them and we weren’t quite there,” said Richards.

“The amount of injuries we have has played havoc with us and if you can’t put out your best team against a side like Montpellier, you will come a cropper.

“We went into the game knowing the only chance we would have is to play with a bit of tempo and we did that, but they did the same thing which was quite surprising.”

Richards (below) added: “We threw some boys out there and it was quite difficult for the less experienced ones. That’s not to say they’re not capable, but it’s difficult at a stadium like this.

“We had a more experienced side out when we played Montpellier in Newcastle and dare I say it, I don’t think we’re used to playing in the sun either.

“I can’t remember a game we’ve won when the sun has been shining!”.

Newcastle only trailed 12-3 following an entertaining, yet error-strewn first half with Montpellier tries coming from Nagusa and Reilhac. Ruan Pienaar converted the second effort.

Flood had kicked his team’s three points, but Montpellier ran riot after the break.

Newcastle captain Flood added: “As strange as it may sound there are a lot of young lads in our dressing room who will take a real leap forward in their development for having gone through this experience.”