Montpellier defeat Dragons to set up Ulster final

Montpellier booked a Challenge Cup final against Ulster by defeating Dragons at the Septeo Stadium. Tries from lock Tyler DuGuid and scrum-half Alexis Bernadet and eight points from Thomas Vincent's boot sealed a home win and a place in Europe's second-tier tournament finale in Bilbao on Friday, 22 May. Dragons responded with two tries from centre Aneurin Owen in a resilient performance.

The Welsh side were defensively dogged but were starved of possession and territory for long periods and could not capitalise on limited attacking opportunities. The Dragons' exit has ended Welsh interest in this season's European tournaments but Filo Tiatia's side can be proud after enjoying a much improved season. It was a seventh successive win in this season's tournament for Montpellier and the French side are looking for a third Challenge Cup success.

Dragons were the only Welsh team left in Europe as they played in a first Challenge Cup semi-final in 10 years and their fourth in total. Montpellier were the side who defeated Dragons a decade ago on the way to the first of two Challenge Cup titles. Dragons hooker Elliot Dee and full-back Angus O'Brien were the two survivors from that 2016 side.

Montpellier were firm favourites as they currently sit third in the Top 14 league in France and celebrated an away win against Champions Cup holders Bordeaux-Begles last weekend. Montpellier made 11 starting changes from the team that beat Bordeaux, including Wales lock Adam Beard, who was replaced in the Six Nations starting side by Dragons co-captain Ben Carter. Dragons almost produced a brilliant try in the opening minute after a well-worked line-out saw Owen released wing David Richards, but his wayward pass to flanker Thomas Young went awry with the Montpellier line begging to be breached.