Special trip to Stade Toulousain this Sunday in Exeter. Building on its success against Ulster, the reigning champion intends to follow up with a second victory in as many matches against the Chiefs. An opponent that Ugo Mola's men largely dominated last April.
A contested first half
At the time, Toulouse offered a show of strength in the quarter-final of the Champions Cup by crushing Exeter Chiefs 64-26 at the Ernest-Wallon stadium. This resounding victory, marked by nine Toulouse tries, propelled the Rouge et Noir to the semi-finals and then the title.
From the kick-off, Toulouse showed their offensive intentions with a try from Romain Ntamack in the 8th minute. However, the Chiefs quickly responded thanks to Ethan Roots, before Jack Willis gave the home side the lead again. Despite territorial domination, Toulouse was unable to widen the gap, the fault of Henry Slade's efficiency, keeping Exeter to one point at the break (17-16).
The Toulouse hurricane in the second half
Upon returning from the locker room, Stade Toulousain had clearly changed pace. Blair Kinghorn, author of two tries and 23 points in totalhad launched the offensive festival. Pita Ahki, Antoine Dupont and Juan Cruz Mallia also crossed the line, taking advantage of an overwhelmed English defense. The speed of execution and the precision of the passes allowed Toulouse to score six tries in thirty minutes, bringing the score to 64-26.
-Despite an encouraging first period, the Chiefs were unable to contain the repeated attacks from Toulouse. Fatigue and a lack of bench depth contributed to the defensive collapse in the second half, providing the home side with spaces they exploited brilliantly.
Lessons to be learned for the next confrontation
Antoine Dupont, as conductor, once again demonstrated his influence, both in attack and defense. Romain Ntamack, precise in his choices, and Jack Willis, omnipresent in the rucks, had been major assets in this victory. The three men should be on deck again this weekend. They will have an essential role to play on the English field to follow up with a 10th victory in a row in the competition.
As the group match scheduled for this Sunday at Sandy Park approaches, Stade Toulousain will have to capitalize on the lessons of this victory as well as its numerous successes in the Top 14 this season. The ability to maintain offensive intensity while remaining disciplined will be crucial. Toulouse in the Champions Cup, it's 45 points and six tries scored on average in the last nine matches.
Furthermore, it will be essential not to underestimate an Exeter team looking for revenge and determined to bring down the champion for the first time since 2023. In short, although last April's victory was resounding, each match tells its own story. Ugo Mola's men will have to approach this new meeting with seriousness and determination to hope to repeat a similar performance on English soil.
Related News :