In a clash that showcased the contrasting styles of rugby, Montpellier delivered a hard-hitting lesson to Bath, defeating them 32-14 in a display of traditional French flair and brute strength. This match served as a reminder of the old-fashioned style of rugby that can still thrive amidst the fast-paced nature of the modern game.

Montpellier, last season's Top 14 finalists, proved their mettle by playing Bath off the park, despite being mid-table in the French league. The match was characterized by:

• Four tries from Montpellier, highlighting their attacking prowess.
• A significant second-half breakout that led to a rare penalty kick, a rarity in English rugby.

Adam Hastings kept Montpellier in contention with a penalty just before halftime, but Bath struggled to maintain any momentum. Their indiscipline was evident, particularly at the breakdown, where Alex Bécognée and Lyam Akrab were relentless.

Despite their efforts, Bath's attempts to play expansive rugby were thwarted repeatedly, reflecting a stark contrast to their high-scoring games in the Premiership this season, which have seen a total of 243 points across three matches.

Several subplots emerged during the match, including the impressive play of Lennox Anyanwu, a former Harlequins centre, and the presence of Billy Vunipola, who reminded English fans of the talent available in France. Bath's Arthur Green also showed promise, scoring their second try before the visitors took control.

As the match progressed, Bath's inability to secure crucial passes, exemplified by Joe Cokanasiga's missed opportunity, underscored their current struggles. Finn Russell faced a challenging game, with his performance diminishing as Montpellier capitalized on Bath's mistakes.

Ultimately, this match reaffirmed that traditional, physical rugby still holds its ground in the face of modern tactics, leaving Bath with much to ponder about their identity and strategy as they face the evolving landscape of English rugby.