The two sides engaged in a frenetic and frantic start to the game before Fijian Timoci Nagusa walked in for the games’ first try after fly-half Johan Goosen found a gap in Falcons’ defensive line. Ruan Pienaar was wayward in his conversion attempt.

Falcons fly-half Toby Flood did respond with a penalty to reduce the deficit, but terrific phase play from the French outfit set up their second try of the afternoon through Yvan Reilhac. The conversion was successful from scrum-half Pienaar.

South African-born Paul Willemse – who has been selected in France’s training squad – made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute by powering over for Montpellier’s third try. Ruan Pienaar was accurate from the tee to add another two points.

A try made in Bloemfontein, South Africa, secured the try-scoring bonus point with Pienaar combining with centre Jan Serfontein, who squared up two defenders and put in Henry Immelman for a simple finish for his first try. Pienaar finished what he started by slotting the conversion.

Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Immelman and Romain Ruffenach all crossed over late on to ensure an emphatic scoreline for the TOP 14 club.

Zach Kibirige scored a consolation try for Newcastle Falcons but defeat in Montpellier means they can no longer progress from Pool 5.

Newcastle will host three-time champions RC Toulon in Round 6, while Montpellier head to Edinburgh in a crunch game.