White's Montpellier reach first Euro semi-final

London - Montpellier reached their first European semi-final on Friday when they defeated hosts Sale 25-19 in the Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Jake White's Top 14 side will face either Gloucester or Newport Gwent Dragons in April for a place in the championship match after handing English side Sale a first home loss of the season in the tournament.

The reliable boot of Benoit Paillaugue proved crucial for Montpellier as he kicked five second half penalties to help turn round an 11-10 half-time deficit.

Former England flyhalf Danny Cipriani kicked two first half penalties to add to winger Tom Brady's try.

Montpellier, on a run of six successive wins in the French Top 14, had also grabbed a first period try through Paul Willemse.

But Paillaugue's deadly boot was enough for Montpellier despite a late try for Sam James.

On Saturday, as well as Gloucester's clash with Newport-Gwent, the other quarter-finals will feature Grenoble against Connacht and Harlequins taking on London Irish.