The fact that the win was coupled with a try-scoring bonus point means Pool 6 will go down to the wire regardless of the result of tomorrow's clash between leaders Toulon and Cardiff Blues.

Prior to referee Leighton Hodges' decision to award a penalty try with 77 minutes played, Toulon knew that a maximum-point win over the Blues at the Stade Felix Mayol would see them secure top spot but that honour could now go to Montpellier if they can claim a handsome victory over their French rivals next weekend.

Left wing Artu gave Montpellier just the kind of start they were looking for in the north of England when he crossed after just nine minutes and the visitors were good value for this convincing win from there on in. Scrum-half Benoit Paillaugue added the extras to Artu's effort having missed a fifth-minute penalty attempt before Danny Cipriani got the Sharks off the mark with 16 minutes gone.

Scotland back rower Beattie gave Montpellier some breathing space when he touched down for an unconverted score two minutes past the half hour but Cipraini had the last say of the half with his second penalty after 36 minutes.

Montpellier began the second period in a similar manner to the first, though, as they added eight points to their tally in as many minutes after the restart.

Paillaugue's first penalty success on 46 minutes was followed by a try for full back Berard just two minutes later as Montpellier surged 14 points clear, although it looked like they would have to settle for just a four-point win as they failed to trouble the scoreboard again until the dying stages.

Victory was as good as assured a long while from full time but Hodges' gave them even more reason to celebrate when he pointed to the posts with just two-and-a-half minutes remaining.