Montpellier keeps quarter-final hopes alive after 24-17 win over Northampton Saints

Montpellier 26-17 Northampton Saints, Altrad Stadium
Scorecard

Nemani Nadolo scored two tries in the second half as Montpellier are still in hunt for a quarter-final spot after a 26-17 win over Northampton Saints at Altrad Stadium.

The win has taken Montpellier to second place in Pool 4 behind Leinster which means they can still make the quarter-finals as one of the three best runners-up, if results go their way on Saturday.

It took the French team just nine minutes to get off the mark when Nadolo offloaded one to flanker Kelian Galletier, who crossed over allowing Demetri Catrakilis with the conversion.

However, scrum-half Lee Dickson responded with a try of his own for Northampton Saints in the 29th minute and JJ Hanrahan's conversion meant the scores were levelled at 7-7.

A 35th penalty kick from Hanrahan allowed Northampton Saints to take a slender lead of three points heading into half-time.

Montpellier changed the tide of the game completely when they scored three tries in a span of 22 minutes. Nadolo (50',72') and replacement Jacques Du Plessis (59') were the try scorers helping the Top 14 side gain the bonus point.

A desperate effort from replacement Tom Kessell strolled past the post in the 76th minute but could not prevent Northampton Saints from succumbing to a nine-point defeat.