Stade Toulousain annihilates Exeter (64-26) and will host Harlequins in the Champions Cup semi-finals

Toulouse offers itself a show and a semi-final. In an unbreathable atmosphere, Stade Toulouse won the Champions Cup quarter-final against Exeter (64-26). Although they had difficulty practicing their game at the start of the match, the Haut-Garonnais broke free in the second half, with six tries scored. They will face Harlequins, winners of UBB, for a place in the final.

This 200th match for Stade Toulouse in the European Cup will be remembered, and perhaps even in the history books. However, the first period was characterized by the indiscipline of the Haut-Garonnais, hampered by an aggressive Exeter team in defense. During the first half hour, the Rouge et Noir offered five penalties to the English, allowing Henry Slade to score eleven points. Despite difficulties in keeping the ball, Ugo Mola’s men were able to respond to the Chiefs by putting some madness into their game. It was in fact on a rather messy launch that Romain Ntamack was able to be found by Matthis Lebel to score the first try of the match (8th).

But the tension rose a notch a few moments later, when Mr Busby decided to give a yellow card to Peato Mauvaka, while the English seemed to have committed at least one forward on the same action. Exeter took the opportunity to flatten through Ethan Roots and punish Toulouse from the next situation (17th). The referee of this match continued to be the center of attention in this first act with a new contentious decision on a contact to the head, making the Ernest-Wallon public boil even more. When it was time to return to the locker room, Toulouse came away with a one-point advantage (17-16), thanks to Jack Willis’ powerful try (32nd), but uncertainty still reigned.

After the break, both teams were completely transformed. The Toulouse team, deprived of the ball and frustrated, was completely freed, while the valiant defense of the Chiefs ended up cracking. Thus, Blair Kinghorn was able to score a double (48th; 56th), in addition to his very good kicking game. “Game of hands, game of Toulouse”, we could exclaim on the second try of the Scotsman, starting from a sublime service from Paul Costes. Pita Ahki (52nd; 75th) and Juan Cruz Mallia (67th; 79th) were also able to score a double at the end of the match which turned into a correction. Zack Wimbush’s try for Exeter almost went unnoticed in the middle of this Haut-Garonnais recital (62nd).

The only French club still in the running, Stade Toulousain has confirmed its status as favorite in this competition. If Ugo Mola could regret a rather complicated first period, the atmosphere was festive at Ernest-Wallon. Before starting the end of the season which could well lead to a double.