Toulouse Secures Fourth Consecutive Top 14 Crown with Commanding Win Over Montpellier

Hooker Peato Mauvaka scored twice as Toulouse secured a 28-20 victory over Montpellier to claim a record-equalling fourth consecutive French Top 14 title, stretching their dominance across multiple eras of French rugby.

Mauvaka’s dominance in the first half helped establish Toulouse’s control before a thunderstorm halted play for 12 minutes just before the hour mark, testing the champions’ resolve. The victory added to Toulouse’s legacy, matching the achievement of the 1994-1997 Toulouse team and the 1904-1907 Bordeaux side, both of which won the Bouclier de Brennus in consecutive seasons.

“Experience helps in those moments,” Toulouse’s Antoine Dupont told France Televisions about the crucial break in play. “You have to measure the luck you have to be here, to win four years in a row. It’s incredible, it will motivate us for the years to come.”

Montpellier, who contested last year’s final, mounted a comeback with tries from Argentina centre Justo Piccardo and replacement fly-half Leo Coly, but the 2022 champions couldn’t overcome their sluggish start. “We weren’t far off,” Montpellier captain Lenni Nouchi said. “It’s hard, it’s going to be hard to accept, but it’s reality.”

The match unfolded under sweltering Paris conditions, with temperatures reaching 34°C at kick-off. The game’s tempo shifted after the weather delay, with Montpellier narrowing the gap to 28-13 before Coly’s late convertible made it 28-20.

Dupont overcame a knee injury that sidelined him last season’s extra-time decider, while Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola rested full-back Thomas Ramos on the bench due to a hamstring issue. Montpellier fielded the same starting lineup that defeated Stade Francais in their semi-final, with fly-half Domingo Miotti and Billy Vunipola intact.

Mauvaka’s double came after Toulouse built a 7-0 lead within the first quarter, capitalizing on subtle lineout moves engineered by Dupont. The halftime interval saw Toulouse extend their advantage to 25-6 through Mauvaka’s second score and Dupont’s individual try, separated by Ntamack’s penalty conversion.

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