Women's

Boujard and N’Diaye inspire magnificent Montpellier to title

CarolineBoujard2000
France Women stars Safi N’Diaye and Caroline Boujard spearheaded a comeback win for Montpellier at the weekend as they successfully defended their domestic title against Toulouse.

France Women stars Safi N’Diaye and Caroline Boujard spearheaded a comeback win for Montpellier at the weekend as they successfully defended their domestic title against Toulouse.

Many of Les Bleues’ 2019 Women’s Six Nations heroes lined up against each other in a repeat of last season’s Top 8 final, this year the first edition of the new 16-team Elite Championship.

With so many international players clashing, the game remained extremely tight throughout and was played at high speed as Toulouse led 13-10 at half-time.

Toulouse, led by France skipper Gaelle Hermet in the back row, had chances to extend their lead after the break but Montpellier’s punishing defence wouldn’t relent.

Then came the decisive moment as the experienced N’Diaye, who scored a try against England in the 2019 Six Nations, scooped up the ball from a ruck and galloped to the line to give her side the lead for the first time.

At that point, momentum switched and back-three star Boujard followed up by finishing off a classy move to put Montpellier 22-13 ahead, with clear daylight between the sides.

Toulouse could find no way back and are still hunting for their first French title, while Montpellier celebrate an impressive sixth crown in seven years.