The Rouge et Noir collapsed on the pitch of the Scottish Warriors (28-21) this Saturday during the second day of the continental competition.
Toulouse fell from a height this Saturday evening. Opposed to the Scots of Glasgow this Saturday evening, the Rouge et Noir gave in (28-21) under the fog, a swirling wind and the rain. The French champions, however, were heading towards a single goal after leading 21-0 at the break.
A week after defeating a revamped South African Sharks team (56-19), Ugo Mola’s players fell from a height but knew they had to be wary of their evening opponent. They also see their chances of reaching the semi-final disappear. In January, Antoine Dupont (out in the 70th minute) and his teammates will travel to Saracens (January 11) and host the Sale Sharks (January 17).
Skip the ad
Unlike many teams, there is no question of rotating for this supposed to be perilous trip to the fifth of the United Rugby Championship (championship bringing together the Welsh, Irish, Scottish, Italian and South African provinces). Willis, Marchand, Flament, Ntamack, Ramos or the regional from the Kinghorn stage were there.
Solo rider
The most anticipated player was obviously Antoine Dupont, starting for the first time since January 19 (at club). Don’t worry, the scrum half has lost none of his rugby and his physical abilities. In the 7th minute, the international scored the first try of the match after a great breakthrough from his friend Flament. As is often the case, Dupont was inside the second line. He scored his first try with Toulouse since January 2025 and a match against Leicester.
Four minutes later, we found Dupont in support after good relays from Capuozzo, at the foot, then Costes. The scrum half put it back inside for the young center Kalvin Gourgues, for the Rouge et Noir’s second try. The Scottish public roared. Dupont’s “hand-to-hand” pass for Gourgues seemed forward. Not in the eyes of the match referee.
The French champions were camped in the Glasgow camp. A few balls lost in the rucks or a missed combination after a throw-in spoiled some good opportunities. But opposite, the Warriors, who still had 13 internationals in the starting XV, offered nothing.
The latter were also punished a third time (35e) by the young Gourgues (20 years old), who obliterated the last defender with a good ruckus. Worse still, the gap could have been even wider if Capuozzo had not put his foot in touch just before the break (21-0).
Skip the ad
Disaster scenario
In the second half, however, the dynamic was reversed. The Scottish bench made the difference, Mola’s players were in serious trouble. Fullback McKay scored a first try then the Warriors forwards stood out thanks to second-row Brown (58th).
Seven points separated the two teams. The Toulouse residents were too undisciplined. Above all, they no longer had the ball. The public, cold but courageous in the rain, pushed theirs. Glasgow finished twice again behind the goal, first time through Tuipulotu in force then thanks to hooker Hiddleston. In 20 minutes, the Warriors overthrew the Rouge et Noir and took the advantage for the first time in the match. The Toulouse engines were stopped.
Excited, the locals defended hard at the end of the match to avoid being caught. And even allowed themselves a few chambers, like the smile of the Tuipulotu center in front of Ramos. The score will not change. Founding success for Glasgow and very frustrating defeat for Toulouse. However, the players from the Pink City will have to quickly change before traveling to Lyon on December 20 in the Top 14.
