Best attack, second best defense: 2026, the year of flowering for the Cistes

December 28, 2025, Montpellier was beaten at the last minute on the Pau pitch (35-33) and was in 9th place in the standings on the threshold of the New Year. Almost five months later, the good resolutions bore fruit with a second place two days from the end of the phase regular. In addition to being on a series of 20 victories in the last 23 matches in all competitions, the Cistes have only lost two matches in the league (against Toulon 30-27 and Toulouse 45-29) in 2026 for 8 wins and 1 draw.

Conquering forwards

How can we explain this rise in power? First of all, Joan Caudullo’s players have considerably increased their efficiency in attack thanks to the work of his forwards. The MHR averages 1 try after touch and 1.3 tries on maul per match. In addition, the Montpellier pack is second in the championship in terms of opposing scrums won (33 won, 3 less than Stade Français). Figures to be credited to Didier Bes (coach in charge of the scrum) and Antoine Battut (coach in charge of the touchline and forward play). Because if the MHR has been a fortress since the start of the season (2nd defense in the first and second part of the season), it was necessary to be more effective in front of the goal line to reach the top of the ranking.

Dominant on both sides of the field, Montpellier begins these last two days with certainties. Will they be able to take them to Marseille for the semi-finals? First response on Saturday against Section Paloise.