Montpellier turned the Rec into a forward-led classroom, outmuscling Bath 22-0 after the break to open their Champions Cup campaign in style.
Montpellier opened their Champions Cup campaign with a brutal, old-school performance at a sold-out Recreation Ground, beating Bath 32-14 and leaving the Premiership side searching for answers.
Bath had their moments, and the contest was far from one-way early on. But the hosts faded badly after the interval, losing the second half 22-0 as Montpellier's power and game management took over. Where Bath looked to move the ball and stretch the game, the visitors squeezed it, winning the physical battles and punishing every lapse.
The result lands at an interesting time for English rugby. Try-heavy games, spectacular handling and wild comebacks have become the norm in the Premiership, prompting a debate over whether this is a thrilling new era of attack or a style that can come unstuck against more disciplined opposition. Bath have been right in the middle of that conversation, and this defeat will feed it.
For Montpellier, it is a perfect start to the European campaign: a big away win, a bonus-point-worthy display of control and a reminder that grit and guile still travel well. For Bath, the task is to tighten up, hold their shape for a full 80 minutes and show they can win ugly when the game demands it.
