European Cup: Toulouse qualifies after suspense against Munster

The people of Toulouse expected such a reception.

They were neither surprised nor disappointed.

They have drawn deep into their resources to overcome the Irish of Munster at home.

Very far even since it was necessary to play a penalty shootout after a draw at the end of extra time (24-24).

This Toulouse, less dominating than last season, is still in the running for the European Cup – Top 14 double successful in 2021.

What you must remember

Picked up cold by a try from the third line Kendellen (10th), the players of Ugo Mola respond in stride with a try from Ntamack (12th) in relay of a breakthrough from Fouyssac (7-7).

They even take the lead in scoring on a model test by winger Lebel (26th, 7-14).

After a perfect game launch at the end of a dominating scrum, Ntamack doubles with Ahki to shift Ramos who serves Lebel at the end of the line on a step.

The surplus is made for the winger who scores in the corner.

We imagine the Toulousains gone for a big number, but the rest is more complicated.

They are first joined just before half-time on a try from winger Earls after a pounding from the Irish forwards (39th, 14-14).

Returning from the locker room, Antoine Dupont's teammates blame the blow.

They are surprised by a try from the back Haley shifted by his center Farrell (44th, 21-14), then the second line Rory Arnold collects a yellow card (51st) for a delayed tackle.

The penalty scored by the opener Carbery (58th, 24-14) seems to condemn them.

Before the revolt of Ugo Mola's men.

Lebel's winning hook after a touchdown combination revived the match (67th, 24-21).

The domination is then Toulouse.

Ramos, on penalty, puts the two teams tied (76th, 24-24).

The match becomes breathless, suffocating.

At the last second, Healy tries a penalty from 56 meters which goes just below the bar…

Extension.

The grip is severe.

Tired bodies.

Ramos misses a thirty-yard drop in front of the posts three minutes from time.

Healy responds the same way at the last second… The shots on goal crown Toulouse after three Irish failures.

Dupont, twice, Ramos and Ntamack, impeccable in their attempts, did not even need to go to the end of the series.

The player

Matthis Lebel

He is the man who revived Toulouse.

The winger first allowed his team to take the lead after a first victorious conclusion, well shifted on his wing (26th).

He then mystified the Irish defense with a magnificent hook off a throw-in and thus gave hope to his team (67th, 24-21).

Fast, tonic, the tricolor international showed on each of his interventions that he was in good shape.

The number

4

The Toulousans will play a fourth semi-final in a row in the European Cup.

In 2019, they were beaten by Leinster (30-12), in 2020 by Exeter (28-18), and last season, they dominated Bordeaux-Bègles (21-9).