Nothing stops Stade Toulouse in the Champions Cup. The European champion scored a third success in a row this Saturday in Durban in this group stage, against the Sharks (8-20). A meeting much less contested than expected despite the South African internationals on the pitch, including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. Well launched in the game by a strong try from Emmanuel Meafou (10th), the Hauts-Garonnais never trembled during this match and took another step to receive in the round of 16.
The people of Toulouse were promised the greatest difficulties for this long-distance trip to the South African east coast. The fatigue of a grueling journey, a disconcerting temperature difference, the Springboks to lead this Durban franchise keen to welcome the biggest provider of the French XV… The arguments existed before the game to suggest a tough confrontation but they were quickly swept away by the reality on the ground. There was indeed a small gap between the two teams this Saturday, and Toulouse did not have to force its talent to leave Kings Park Stadium with victory.
A success without forcing for Toulouse
Even if they scored a beautiful try by Blair Kinghorn (43rd) with a final pass behind the magnificent back of Thomas Ramos, the Toulouse residents were not always imperial offensively in this meeting, letting slip a few opportunities to boost the gap. However, they were not found wanting in defense.
Or rather if, once, in the last quarter of an hour, for the only try of Siya Kolisi’s partners in this match, signed Jurenzo Julius (67th). The only real well-constructed opportunity of the match for the limited Sharks who most of the time only saw Toulouse’s 22 meters from very far away. For the rest? They tried to limit the damage, also helped by the heat and humidity, which made the balloon look like a bar of soap and generated a lot of slag and weak times.
Conditions which certainly impacted the ambition of Stade Toulouse at the end of the match where it presented a very hybrid three-quarter line and did not suffer horribly to get two more tries synonymous with an offensive bonus. A point which he should miss to take the lead in his group, now held alone by Bordeaux-Bègles.
