Toulouse edge out Connacht in race to Champions Cup quarter-final

Toulouse 19-10 Connacht, Stade Ernest Wallon
Scorecard

Connacht's European Champions Cup campaign ended following a 19-10 defeat to Toulouse at Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday.

The Pro 12 champions entered the game needing a win but instead it is Toulouse, who managed to sneak past Connacht and progressed to quarter-finals along with table toppers Wasps.

Centre Gael Fickou started the proceedings for Toulouse when he rumbled past the post in the fifth minute and wing Arthur Bonneval followed him with the second try in the game, 12 minutes later. Fly-half Jean-Marc Doussain added both the conversions as the French team took a 14-0 lead.

Centre Craig Ronaldson gave some respite for Connact with a successful penalty in the 33rd minute following which their lock Quinn Roux was sin-binned for a deliberate four. At half-time, Connacht were trailing by 11 points.

Flanker Joe Tekori extended Toulouse lead to 16 points with an early try in the second half but number eight John Muldoon allowed a brief comeback for Connacht, when he strolled past the line in the 53rd minute and Ronaldson's conversion brought down the difference to nine points.

In the final quarter, which went scoreless, Connacht tried to create opportunities but it was thwarted by strong defence from Toulouse. Both teams ended group stage with 18 points but Toulouse had bettered Pat Lam's men in three point difference.