TOU ARE YA?
French aces are back as they end Leinster’s long unbeaten Eurp run
LEO CULLEN’S warning not to believe the hype proved spot on at a pulsating Stade Ernest Wallon yesterday. reflect on afterwards. On that list was the team’s worst start since their Champions Cup semi-final loss to Clermont two seasons ago and Cullen will look at that ahead of the back-toback clashes with Bath in December.
“It was frustratining for us,” acknowledged the head coach. “It was an unbelievable occasion.
“The crowd, the atmosphere was amazing, two sets of players going hard at it. But that intercept on 70 minutes, we seemed to have the game under control and Toulouse go the length of the field. That’s the threat that they had. There’s areas where we can be better, in terms of shutting the game out with a six-point lead with 10-15 minutes to go.
“We looked like we were in control but ultimately it wasn’t so. It’s a tough place to come and they’re a team on the rise.”
Leinster quickly found themselves 14-0 down but the visitors also deserve credit for the way they clawed back into it.
Two Johnny Sexton penalties reduced the deficit, a Jack Conan break and Sean O’brien finish made it 14-13 before the half-hour.
Sofiane Guitoune’s stepping secured the hosts’ second try as half-time neared and Ramos’ conversion took it to 21-13 at the break.
Leinster dominated in the third quarter with James Ryan powering over before Sexton’s inside pass was superbly finished by Sean Cronin and the visitors were ahead.
But Louis-benoit Madaule’s interception sparked a scintillating move and Medard out-paced Joe Tomane to the tryline, before Ramos clinched a dramatic and famous victory.
FA