Juan Cruz Mallia passed his head injury evaluation to return to the field and score two tries for Toulouse. Photo: Getty Images/David Rogers Toulouse vs. Sharks
The gods of rugby have intervened to supply voracious European rugby fans with more ambrosia and nectar. Two of the continent's preeminent teams, Leinster and Toulouse, will meet again in Dublin in the Champions Cup semi-final at the end of the month following a spectacular quarter-final win by the French aristocrats over the Sharks.
However, this time there is more at stake than just a knockout match. A year ago, at the same stadium, the Dubliners threw the French Galacticos into battle, defeating Toulouse 40-17. And two months ago, a large cohort of this Toulouse team faced a significant contingent of Leinster, but in the colors of France, again defeated on that stormy day in Dublin by the Irish Six Nations Grand Slam tournaments.
Leinster «can play with their eyes closed,» said Toulouse captain Antoine Dupont after a seven-run rout of the Sharks. But if the Irish do this, then the Toulouse side, in such a formidable, diabolical mood, will send their hosts to the purge. Against the Sharks, who despite the long absence of Eben Etzebeth and Jayden Hendrickse boasted five World Cup winners, Toulouse turned on the stylish faucet, flowing like a grand cru as the sold-out Stade Ernest-Vallon reveled in victory. the cunning and courage of their field magicians.
“I get goosebumps when I think about it. I've played in a lot of places, but this is… wow,” Sharks captain Sia Kolisi said of the atmosphere in Toulouse. In the carnival, Thomas Ramos scored 29 of the hosts' 54 points, including two attempts. Two moments with his boot — the second half 50:22 and a side pass on the ground that Luka Modric would be proud of — will remain in memory for a long time.
Thomas Ramos was at his best from the start and confidently made a daring pass from his line. Photo: Getty Images/Valentine Chapius
The clash of styles between Leinster and Toulouse can best be described as: The French don't always get it quite right, but when they do, it's mesmerizing; while Leinster almost always gets it right, it's not that easy on the eyes. «I've never seen a team take advantage of an opportunity so quickly,» Toulouse-based Colisi added.
Every result of Toulouse yesterday deserved a place in any ranking: dancing feet, volleyball-style overhead bats, obscene unloadings and much more. Sometimes there is a lack of organization, but there is always an excess of ambition and skill. Colisi's observation came as the game was still in balance until the 56th minute, when Toulouse thwarted five late attempts, pushing the crowd to their feet and igniting a rendition of the Marseillaise from the heart.
The Sharks scored two of their own peaches — and indeed opened the scoring — the highlight was Grant Williams, who completed the counter-attack in the 80th minute of his midfielder Kervin Bosh.
Alas, once lost advantage in the 35th minute, the guests did not come close to restoring it. Now all eyes are on Dublin. When the sun is shining, it takes a brave man to bet against the greatest showmen in club rugby.
Match Details
Scoring Sequence: 0-3 Foam Bosch, 3-3 Foam Ramos, 3-8 Williams Try, 3-10 Bosch Try, 6-10 Ramos Try, 11-10 Mallia Try, 14-10 Ramos Try, 19-10 Ramos Try, 21 -10 Ramos vs, 21-15 Chamberlain try, 21-17 Bosch vs, 26-17 Mallia try, 26-20 Bosch try, 31-20 Mauwak try, 33-20 Ramos try, 38-20 Ramos try, 40-20 Ramos vs, 45-20 Retière try, 47-20 Ramos vs, 52-20 Ntamak try, 54-20 Ramos vs.
Toulouse: T. Ramos; J.C. Mallia (D. Delibes, 19, Mallia, 22), P.-L. Barassi, P. Ahki, M. Lebel (A. Retière, 70); R. Ntamak, A. Dupont (c); K. Beil (R. Neti, 62), P. Mauvaka (G. Cramon, 75), D. Aldegheri (D. Ainuo, 62), R. Arnold (J. Brennan, 71), E. Miafu (E. Ruma, 62), J. Willis (A. Plasines, 68 ), T Flament, F Cros.
Yellow card: Mallia 8
Sharks: B Chamberlain; W. Kok, L. Am, R. Janse van Rensburg (B. Tapuay, 58), M. Mapimpi (T. Abrahams, 73); C. Bosch, G. Williams (C. Wright, 73); R. Nche (N. Mchunu, 50), B. Mbonambi (C. van Vuuren, 73), T. du Toit (K. Sadie, 71), H. Andrews, G. Grobler (H. Labouchagne, 62), S. Kolisi (c), V. Tshitka, S. Notshe (P. Buthelezi 58).
Referee: Karl Dixon
Attendance : 19,000
Свежие комментарии