HIGHLIGHTS: La Rochelle v Toulouse

Toulouse were crowned Champions Cup winners for a record breaking fifth time as they edged 14 man La Rochelle 22-17 in the Final. The battle of the boot dominated the opening 25 minutes, with Romain Ntamack and Ihaia West slotting two penalties apiece to see the sides locked up at 6-6. The pivotal moment of the match occurred 27 minutes in, as Levani Botia was shown a straight red card for a high tackle with the shoulder making direct contact to the head with force, meaning La Rochelle would be down a player for the remainder of the game. Toulouse were also reduced to 14 players as Rynhardt Elstadt picked up a yellow card around the half hour mark, with West kicking the resulting penalty to take La Rochelle in front 9-6. Ntamack leveled matters with a penalty three minutes from halftime, but a successful kick at goal from West brought the half to a close, La Rochelle up 12-9 at the break. La Rochelle missed an early second half penalty and Ntamack made them pay as he leveled matters at twelve apiece shortly after. Around the hour mark, a cut out pass from Ntamack saw Tolofua charge down the right before playing it back inside to Juan Cruz Mallia to race in for the games first try, putting Toulouse up 19-12 with the final quarter to play. Ntamack steered Toulouse into a two score lead, adding a penalty with just over ten minutes left on the clock. La Rochelle set up a tense finish, as Tawera Kerr-Barlow darted over for a try from close range 73 minutes in to give the 14 men of La Rochelle hope of a late comeback. It was not to be, however, as Toulouse held on for a record fifth title.