Toulouse participant rankings: The crimson and blacks rode out a spirited problem from Sale Sharks to guide their place within the Champions Cup quarter-finals with a 38-15 win on the Stadium de Toulouse.
The sport could also be remembered for the weird sight of the skydiver that obtained caught on the roof of the stadium and delayed the match by half-hour, however there was lots to get pleasure from on the sector of play from a Toulouse standpoint, with a variety of potential British & Irish Lions placing their hand up within the course of.
Right here’s how we rated Toulouse:
1. David Ainu’u – 6
The 122kg loosehead nearly survived the scrums earlier than making means simply after halftime. Acquired across the park effectively and supplied a little bit of assist in touch.
2. Julien Marchand – 7.5
Made probably the most of Ntamack’s elegant 50:22 to rumble over from the ensuing lineout, swinging momentum firmly Toulouse’s means. Dependable on the set piece and meaty in defence.
3. Dorian Aldegheri – 4
A torrid outing for the tighthead. Penalised repeatedly, significantly at scrum time the place Simon McIntyre had the higher of him. Changed after 48 minutes.
4. Thibaud Flament – 7
Quietly efficient. Put in a shift on the lineout and coated loads of floor. Not as eye-catching as others, however by no means let his requirements drop.
5. Emmanuel Meafou – 8.5
A large presence as ever. Dominated collisions, secured clear ball and made laborious yards all through. Toulouse misplaced some ballast when his 142kg body departed.
6. Francois Cros – 8
Completely ferocious on the breakdown. Scored a attempt from shut vary and by no means stopped harassing Sale’s carriers and clearouts. A menace.
7. Jack Willis – 8.5
Excellent. Scored an early try to was within the thick of the motion all recreation. Had a fiery, bodily tussle with each Curry brothers and by no means backed down, although did fall off a couple of tackles.
8. Alexandre Roumat – 8
Dominated the skies. A commanding presence within the lineout and gave Toulouse management within the air. Industrious and clever all through.
9. Paul Graou – 6.5
Some beautiful touches, together with a couple of outrageous offloads, however his decision-making was inconsistent and he coughed up possession too usually below strain.
10. Romain Ntamack – 8
His fantastically judged 50:22 was a second of actual class and led on to Marchand’s key second-half attempt. Linked neatly with the backline earlier than going off simply after the hour.
11. Blair Kinghorn – 8.5
Electrical within the opening levels, bursting via the road to set the tone. Threatened each time he had the ball in area.
12. Pita Ahki – 7
Bodily in defence and made probably the most of his restricted attacking alternatives. Performed a key function in protecting Sale’s midfield pairing to simply 17 metres between them.
13. Pierre-Louis Barassi – 8
Confirmed beautiful footwork and consciousness to use a defensive lapse for his attempt. Dependable in defence and sharp in transition.
14. Ange Capuozzo – 9
Il magnifico. Scored a sensational solo attempt that lit up the sport. Electrical each time he touched the ball and left the sector to a deserved ovation when stretchered off after touchdown awkwardly within the act of scoring.
15. Thomas Ramos – 7
Landed 5 kicks from the tee and was regular on the again. Not his most influential recreation, however a relaxed head when wanted.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Guillaume Cramont – 7
Utilized the crowning glory with a late rating to place the sport past doubt.
17. Rodrigue Neti – 7
Introduced some much-needed stability to the scrum when he got here on. Stable impression.
18. Joel Merkler – 8
Shored up the set piece noticeably and added an actual carrying presence. One of many extra spectacular bench contributions.
19. Clement Verge – 6
The 6’7, 123kg obtained caught in with little fanfare.
20. Anthony Jelonch – 7
Carried laborious and defended with venom within the closing levels. Introduced further edge when he got here on.
21. Mathis Castro-Ferreira – N/A
Not on lengthy sufficient to fee.
22. Juan Cruz Mallia – 7
Coated properly on the again and confirmed good composure below the excessive ball.
23. Paul Costes – N/A
Not on lengthy sufficient to warrant a ranking.
