Les Cistes, who take on Leicester Tigers at Twickenham on May 21, notched five tries via full-back Anthony Bouthier, centre Johan Goosen, locks Paul Willemse and Alexandre Bécognée, and scrum-half Cobus Reinach.

However, La Rochelle rested the entire XV from their 32-23 semi-final win over Leinster Rugby, including European Rugby Player of the Year nominees Gregory Alldritt and Will Skelton.

Fly-half Jules Plisson kicked 15 points for the visitors, before a late try from hooker Samuel Lagrange made the scoreline look more respectable.

Montpellier will be buoyed by the strength in depth they showcased in the victory, with six members of the pack who played in last weekend’s semi-final triumph over Bath Rugby being left out.

Elsewhere, La Rochelle’s Heineken Champions Cup final opponents on May 22, Toulouse, also rested their entire starting XV in a 44-10 reverse against RC Toulon - including the EPOTY nominated trio of Antione Dupont, Jerome Kaino and Julien Marchand.

Despite the defeat, Toulouse remain on course to top the Top 14 standings, as they are still five points ahead of La Rochelle.

European Rugby Challenge Cup finalists Montpellier continued their preparations for their showpiece final with a 32-22 win over Heineken Champions Cup hopefuls La Rochelle in a thrilling Top 14 encounter at the GGL Stadium on Saturday.