Find out what the editorial staff liked and disliked Figaro after the defeat of Stade Toulousain on the Glasgow lawn (28-21), this Saturday in the Champions Cup.
TOPS
Glasgow, a team with good looks
Last week, the Toulouse residents had no mercy on the revamped South African Sharks (56-19). Before the match, Thomas Ramos rightly pointed out teams not playing the game. This Saturday evening, however, the French champions fell against a formidable Warriors team. Glasgow were certainly ghostly in the first 40 minutes but managed a perfect second half to inflict a scathing 28-0 and beat Mola’s players. Note that the return of international scrum-half Horne changed everything.
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Dupont regains sensations
The scrum-half celebrated his first club start since last January. Author of two entries in his first two matches of the season, Dupont this time played 70 minutes. At the start of the game, the international was of course in support after a breakthrough from Flament and scored his team’s first try. Four minutes later, Dupont proved decisive again and gave Gourgues a try. Chastised a few times and despite having the ball snatched, the scrum-half was brilliant even if, like his team, he was unable to do anything against the Scottish wave in the second half. Gourgues, author of a double, and Willis, constantly present in the rucks (but also credited with 25 tackles), played a good part.
21-0…
Almost the only satisfaction of the evening: the first Toulouse period. Author of three tries – and almost four if Capuozzo’s foot had not touched the touchline – Stade Toulousain returned to the locker room with confidence and serenity. Dominant in front, in good shape behind… The French champions controlled the debates.
Also read
Rugby, Champions Cup: after leading 21-0 at the break, Toulouse collapses in Glasgow
FLOPS
…before the fall!
What happened in the second half? No more balloons, that’s true. An unfavorable wind is also true. But above all lost collisions, failed duels, avoidable mistakes and a real lack of character and revolt. The bench, led by executives such as Neti, Merkler, Meafou and Roumat, contributed nothing. All alone, Stade Toulousain completely came out of their match even though they had it under control. A setback that really hurts your head.
Punished with ball
It’s simple, Toulouse only had 26% possession in the second half. They mainly worked in defense, making 150 tackles. At the same time, the Scots only had to tackle… 16 times. A sign of one-sided domination by the Warriors in the second part of the match. The Toulouse three-quarters no longer touched the leather even if Ramos had managed to take an interval. Before his pass ends up in touch…
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Kinghorn not at ease
The regional player – who only knew the Edinburgh club before joining Toulouse – will not have really shone. Often served on his wing in the first period, he failed to make any difference. In the second half, he made a mistake by wanting to pick up the ball rather than pushing on a good kick in the depth from Ramos. At the end of the game, a defensive climb is completely missing which opens a door for center Tuipulotu. It’s difficult to blame him as he helped out so well in all positions. But his return to Scotland did not bring him luck.
