Top 14 — Sunday 26 April 2026

Montpellier stole a defining win from Bordeaux, seizing the spoils after the home side spectacularly faltered when reduced to fifteen men. The MHR defeated the UBB with a final score of 23-21, a victory secured by mastering the defensive art rather than overwhelming attacking prowess. The drama peaked after the Bordelais managed to narrow the score to 21-20 following a try scored by Maxime Lamothe late in the game. However, the momentum shifted violently when Bordeaux was forced into a defensive crisis at 15 against 13. Following the accumulation of yellow cards for Vunipola and Diaby, the ensuing chaos saw Bordeaux concede a final penalty and an orange card for Poirot. The resulting pressure proved too much, as Miotti’s kick proved decisive. The frustration on the pitch was palpable, with the side failing to capitalize on two earlier tries by Jalibert and Lamothe, instead succumbing to the Héraultais' calculated, difficult-to-beat structure. Yannick Bru expressed raw disappointment, noting: "Mais c’est dramatique qu’on ne garde pas la tête froide à quinze contre treize !"