Blues build momentum with big win in Toulouse

IN WHAT must rank as one of the best results in their recent history, Cardiff Blues claimed a famous win over fourtime European champions Toulouse.

Danny Wilson’s men produced an heroic performance in the French giants’ backyard as tries from forward duo Nick Williams and Macauley Cook gave them a thrilling success.

It means the Blues backed up their openinground win over Lyon with victory over fellow TOP 14 pacesetters Toulouse to move five points clear at the head of Pool 2.

“I thought the boys were outstanding; for them to guts it out at a venue like this and against a team like Toulouse was brilliant,” said head coach Wilson.

“There were a lot of young players out there and we showed huge character and commitment to come away with a famous win.

“We held territory and possession and maybe we should have scored a few more points. Hopefully it will fill us with confidence because that’s four wins from our last five.”

The Blues impressed to a man at the Stade Ernest Wallon with No.8 Williams, Matthew Morgan, Josh Navidi and Jarrod Evans – who kicked seven points – the pick of the bunch.

Toulouse had been the ones to move ahead with early replacement Romain Ntamack kicking a penalty. Blues hit back with the hulking Williams smashing his way over following a driving line-out. Young pivot Evans converted and kicked a penalty.

Ntamack – son of former France wing Emile – then dived over and converted. Alex Cuthbert was carded for a high tackle and Antonie Dupont scored Toulouse’s second try after Willis Halaholo’s clearance kick was charged down.

Trailing 15-10 at halftime, the Blues kept their opponents scoreless in the second half. Evans combined with replacement prop Dillon Lewis to send Cook over for the Blues second.

Evans converted and, in a thrilling final quarter, the Welsh side held on. Replacements Steve Shingler and Rynhardt Elstadt saw yellow for either side following a dust-up, but it failed to make any difference to the overall outcome.

Wilson added: “We did well to make a quarterfinal last season and that has to be our aim again. It’s great to sit top of the pool, but there is a long way to go.”