Toulouse Triumphs in Thrilling European Semi-Final Against Harlequins
In a captivating European semi-final clash, Toulouse’s fanatical supporters, 10 deep, danced to upbeat trance music as they welcomed their beloved team, led by talisman Antoine Dupont, to their backyard. The home fans unleashed a giant “Red Kingdom” banner, booing the arrival of Harlequins stars Joe Marler and Marcus Smith.
Marler embraced the abuse, flashing his trademark grin and cupping his ear to the jeering crowd. Meanwhile, Toulouse heroes Dupont, Romain Ntamack, and Englishman Jack Willis soaked up the adulation from their adoring supporters.
Harlequins gave it their all, producing a stunning second-half fightback in the home of rugby’s equivalent of Real Madrid’s Galacticos. However, Jack Walker’s late sin-binning for making contact with Dupont’s head proved crucial, stemming Quins’ momentum just when it was at its peak.
Toulouse’s Blistering Start
Toulouse started at a blistering pace, showcasing their trademark pace, power, and panache. Wing Matthis Lebel opened the scoring from a botched Quins line-out, and Toulouse raced to a 19-point lead at the break, with Dupont, Thibaud Flament, and Peato Mauvaka all crossing the whitewash.
Harlequins’ Comeback Effort
Harlequins roared back in the second half, with tries from Marcus Smith, Will Evans, Cadan Murley, and Tyrone Green, but Walker’s yellow card proved terminal. In the end, Juan Cruz Mallia’s late try sealed the victory for Toulouse, who marched on to face Leinster in the Champions Cup final on May 25.
“At half-time, we said we wouldn’t lower our intensity because we know Harlequins never give up.” – Antoine Dupont, Toulouse head coach
Quins boss Danny Wilson lamented the “breakdown turnovers against the best side in the world,” but expressed pride in his team’s second-half resurgence.
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