Ex-All Black Bridge scores but loses on Montpellier bow

CLERMONT - Former New Zealand winger George Bridge scored on his Montpellier debut as his new side lost 19-14 at Clermont in the French Top 14 on Saturday.

Bridge headed to France earlier this month from Canterbury and crossed just after the break as his club, the Top 14 champions, stayed in fifth place in the table.

Ex-France fly-half Jules Plisson kicked 14 points at Stade Marcel-Michelin for the hosts, who moved up to eighth with their first win in four games. 

"There was a little bit of pressure on the squad and we found it hard to let loose tonight," Clermont captain Arthur Iturria told reporters.

"No matter how, it was important to get back to winning ways, this victory is superb for the group."

Clermont led 6-3 at the break as Plisson slotted two penalties as Louis Foursans responded for the visitors before Bridge gave the southern outfit the lead on 44 minutes.

Foursans missed the conversion before Loic Godener crossed and Plisson converted to make it 13-8 with half an hour to play.

With 20 minutes remaining Clermont, nicknamed Les Jaunards (The Yellows) but wearing a white shirt at home, led 16-14 as Plisson and Foursans were successful with shots at goal.

Plisson then made sure of the win with an effort with eight minutes left as they recorded their first win since October 15.