Rugby union - White hails Montpellier's France-Springboks mix

Montpellier's South African hooker Bismarck Du Plessis (2ndR) scores a try during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Grenoble on April 30, 2016 at the Altrad stadium in Montpellier, southern France. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GUYOTMontpellier's South African hooker Bismarck Du Plessis (2ndR) scores a try during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Grenoble on April 30, 2016 at the Altrad stadium in Montpellier, southern France. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GUYOT (AFP Photo/PASCAL GUYOT)
Montpellier's South African hooker Bismarck Du Plessis (2ndR) scores a try during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Grenoble on April 30, 2016 at the Altrad stadium in Montpellier, southern France. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GUYOTMontpellier's South African hooker Bismarck Du Plessis (2ndR) scores a try during the French Top 14 rugby union match between Montpellier and Grenoble on April 30, 2016 at the Altrad stadium in Montpellier, southern France. AFP PHOTO / PASCAL GUYOT (AFP Photo/PASCAL GUYOT)

- South African coach Jake White on Saturday hailed his explosive mix of French and Springbok talent which is sparking Montpellier's charge to the Top 14 title. White, who coached the Springboks to win the 2007 World Cup, watched his side crush Grenoble 51-10 with a bonus point, seven-try romp which kept Montpellier in second spot in the table, two off the lead held by Clermont. "This squad proves there is a fine cohesion between the French and South African players. This is not a surprise for me -- only for you," said 53-year-old White. There are currently 12 South African players in the Montpellier squad and seven started Saturday's game. But only four French players featured in the match-day 15 alongside two Georgians, a New Zealander and a Fijian. "I am happy with this victory," added White.

AFP

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