Match report | Toulouse 64 - 26 Exeter Chiefs
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Toulouse put in a classy performance to make a statement of intent as one of the favourites along with Leinster to go all the way in this years Champions Cup.
After a tight first half Toulouse only led by 1 going into the sheds at half time, however an outstanding second half performance resulted in a 9 try victory over Exeter Chiefs.
The French giants advance to the semi-finals to take on Harlequins who will be eager to down another Top 14 side after their spectacular 41-42 victory against Bordeaux Begles
The hosts got off to a solid start with Romain Ntamack scoring a classic Toulouse try after they spread the ball wide with Lebel making a line break down the left channel before feeding the ball inside to Ntamack.
Exeter seemed to get a foot in the match after striking together multiple phases and forcing consecutive penalties with Mauvaka receiving a yellow card. Exeter Chiefs capitalised immediately with a clever set move 5m out from the try line.
Toulouse managed to get back in the lead before half time after Antoine Du Pont spotted space on the blind, drawing defenders in passing to Ahki who pops the ball on to Jack Willis scoring from 20 metres out running over Harvey Skinner in the process
Half time: Toulouse 17-16 Exeter Chiefs
Toulouse began running riot in the second half with Kinghorn getting the first score in the 47’ minute followed by a try minutes later after Harvey Skinner concedes a soft penalty to give an attacking line out on the 22m. An inside ball off the top of the line out sends Lebel through who draws and passes to Ahki to score under the poles.
Toulouse seal the game after a full field try with Jack Willis making the initial line break off the restart. The defence has to scramble and Mallia makes a break down the flank before passing to Ramos who makes the final pass to Du Pont beating one defender and scoring an incredible try.
Toulouse go on to score another three tries with a brace from Mallia as well as a second try of the match from Ahki to thump Exeter in a 12 try match.
Full Time: Toulouse 64 - 26 Exeter Chiefs
Toulouse managed to beat double the amount of defenders as Exeter with 36 compared to Chiefs' 19.
They made a total of 13 clean breaks and 16 offloads while Exeter only managed 3 and 4 respecitvley.
Exeter Chiefs only secured 3 turnovers in the match while Toulouse won 9 turnovers.
Despite Paul Costes recieivng a deserved man of the match, special mention must go out to Jack Willis who was a key force in the Toulouse pack
Here are the Englishman's match stats:
Metres: 92
Defenders Beaten: 10
Breaks: 4
Carries: 8
Tackles: 10