It was the stated objective.
With the title of champion of France gleaned in June 2019, the Stade Toulousain announced to go to the reconquest of Europe.
Ten years after his fourth and last coronation.
Hang a fifth star to become the largest in Europe again.
He who, in a decade, fell into line (only two semi-finals), saw RC Toulon stack three titles in a row, Leinster and Saracens each lift the continental trophy three times.
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With this ambition, the Toulousains had completed a group stage without a hitch.
Six victories in as many matches, a first in the yet rich European history of the Pink City club.
And a regained status of favorite at the time of approaching the quarter-final, at home, against the Irish province of Ulster.
Before this hoped-for triumphant march was stopped by the health crisis linked to Covid-19.
Let the big party not fade away.
Instead of a quarter at the Stadium in front of 33,000 fiery spectators expected since ... 2010, it will be a meeting on the sly, Sunday, with less than 5,000 supporters in an Ernest Wallon stadium ringing hollow.
With, as a corollary, an overwhelming loss of revenue for a club with finances already dangerously dried up by the epidemic.
“We want this European Cup. The desire is still there "
Sofiane Guitoune
Six months later, do the ambition, the excitement and the joy that accompanied this long-awaited meeting still drive Toulouse players?
It seems so.
"It's so gloomy the general atmosphere around what we live, that when you have the chance to be able to take a little pleasure and give a little ... It's time", launches the Stade Toulousain coach, Ugo Mola.
Who appreciated the attitudes this week.
"When there are a few stitches and sweat in training, that's good news."
A feeling confirmed by the Sofiane Guitoune center: “We want this European Cup.
The desire is still there. ”
Offensive demonstrations but defensive fragility
It remains to be seen if the game is ready.
After six months of hiatus, Toulouse returned to the pitch at the start of the month.
For two offensive demonstrations against Clermont then La Rochelle (7 tries and 69 points scored) but, also, a more worrying defensive fragility (56 points conceded).
“We are not in the standards expected in the European Cup, grumbled Mola.
We must rectify the situation to exist against Ulster. ”
The adversary of the day precisely.
Can the Irish franchise break the reconquest?
The devastating winger Jacob Stockdale and his partners resumed competition more than a month ago, for, already, a disputed final (that of the Pro 14, lost last Sunday against Leinster).
The threat looms, especially since the province of Belfast does not succeed at the Stadium (only three victories in nine confrontations).
“It would be a shame to spoil our clear round in the group stage.
We know that the cards have been reshuffled, but it's up to us to regain our appetite, ”summarizes the Blues flanker, François Cros.
And thus preserve a semblance of celebration.
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