Leinster demolish Montpellier as Steyn sees red
Three-time winners Leinster ran in eight unanswered tries against the 14-men Montpellier, who had to play 54 minutes without their flyhalf who spent the night in the stands after a sickening tackle on opposite number Johnny Sexton.
The victory not only ensured that the Irish side – champions in 2009, 2011 and 2012 – claimed top spot in Pool Four with 21 points but also reached the knockout stage for the 13th time in their history.
Leinster were already 14-3 ahead by the 26th minute thanks to tries from captain Isa Nacewa and flank Jack Conan.
But Montpellier's hopes were dashed when 2007 World Cup winner Steyn was sent off for a head-high dangerous tackle on Irish flyhalf Sexton. While Sexton lay pole-axed on the ground, the bearded 29-year-old Steyn – who had kicked the French side's only points – was red-carded despite his protests.
Nacewa popped over the resulting penalty before Leinster grabbed their third try of the first half through flying wing Adam Byrne, who sprinted over for his third try in the tournament this season.
The onslaught continued after the break with Conan adding the fourth try just before the hour mark, bullying his way past four defenders to score under the posts. It gave Leinster the bonus point with Sexton adding the extras for good measure against a weary-looking Montpellier.
Conan went on to complete his hat-trick later in the half with Luke McGrath, Cian Healy and Garry Ringrose also scoring for a rampant Leinster.
Scorers:
For Leinster:
Tries: Nacewa, Conan 3, A Byrne, McGrath, Healy, Ringrose
Cons: Sexton 3, R Byrne 4
Pen: Nacewa
For Montpellier:
Pen: Steyn
Red card: Francois Steyn (Montpellier; foul play – high tackle; 26)
Teams:
Leinster: 15 Isa Nacewa (captain), 14 Adam Byrne, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Robbie Henshaw, 11 Rory O'Loughlin, 10 Johnny Sexton, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Jack Conan, 5 Hayden Triggs, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 James Tracy, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 Richardt Strauss, 17 Cian Healy, 18 Michael Bent, 19 Ross Molony, 20 Dan Leavy, 21 Jamison Gibson-Park, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Rob Kearney.
Montpellier: 15 Joffrey Michel, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Vincent Martin, 12 Joseph Tomane, 11 Nemani Nadolo, 10 Francois Steyn, 9 Nic White, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Fulgence Ouedraogo, 5 Konstantine Mikautadze, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Jannie du Plessis, 2 Shalva Mamukashvili, 1 Mikheil Nariashvili.
Replacements: 16 Charles Geli, 17 Yvan Watremez, 18 Davit Kubriashvili, 19 Antoine Battut, 20 Kelian Galletier, 21 Tomas O'Leary, 22 Henry Immelman, 23 Jesse Mogg.
Referee: JP Doyle (England)
Assistant referees: Wayne Barnes (England), Simon McConnell (England)
TMO: Stuart Terheege (England)
Agence France-Presse
