Kinghorn leads the way as Toulouse storm into Champions Cup semis
Blair Kinghorn led the way as Toulouse booked their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals with a 64-26 win over Exeter at the Stade Ernest Wallon.
The Scotland international full-back scored two tries in a personal haul of 23 points, while further tries came from Romain Ntamack, Jack Willis, Antoine Dupont and bracthe es from Jean Cruz Mallia and Pita Ahki.
The French giants were made to fight in an end-to-end first half, but in the end their vast European experience proved too much for Rob Baxter’s youthful side.
Chiefs started on the front foot, taking the lead inside five minutes when Henry Slade slotted them in front with a penalty just metres from the home try-line. That early lead, however, lasted just a matter of minutes as Toulouse claimed game’s opening score when a burst down the left flank from Matt his le b el carved the openingfornt am a ck to glide over for the try, converted by Kinghorn.
A second Slade penalty kept the visitors firmly in the hunt, before fellow England international Ethan Roots got the Chiefs back in front once more, thundering his way over from a crafty tap penalty move to claim their opening score, which Slade was able to add the extras to. Kinghorn and Slade exchanged successful penalties apiece but, as half-time approached, it was the French side who clawed their way back in front through a converted Jack Willis score.
Toulouse came out firing in the second period and Kinghorn found his way over for a score he also converted. Ahki then raced over for their fourth score just moments later and another quick one-two followed as first Kinghorn finished off a stunning back move in the right corner, before the dangerous dupont side stepped his way over the whitewash for another converted score.
Chiefs claimed a consolation score through Zack Wimbush before Toulouse wrapped up their victory, and a semi-final date with Harlequins on May 5, with tries in the final quarter from Ahki and two from Juan Cruz Mallia.