Match Centre: Champions Cup: Toulouse 80-12 Leicester Tigers

Antoine Dupont scored two tries for Toulouse
Antoine Dupont scored two tries for Toulouse
©Steve Haag

Toulouse 80-12 Leicester Tigers, Stade Ernest-Wallon

Leicester Tigers endured a tough evening at Stade Ernest-Wallon, suffering an 80-12 defeat to defending Investec Champions Cup champions Toulouse.

Despite the heavy loss, Leicester secured third place in Pool 1 thanks to earlier victories against Hollywoodbets Sharks and Ulster, and a crucial bonus point earned against Bordeaux-Bègles.

Tigers began with energy but were soon overwhelmed by a relentless Toulouse side. The game’s momentum shifted early when Leicester lost Izaia Perese to the sin-bin, and Toulouse captain Antoine Dupont opened the scoring with a try. Thomas Ramos, who was flawless from the tee, converted to make it 7-0.

Toulouse capitalized on their numerical advantage with Dupont delivering a stunning cross-kick assist for Dimitri Delibes to score. Tries from Emmanuel Meafou (two), Julian Marchand, and a sensational solo effort from Ange Capuozzo further stretched Toulouse’s lead.

The Tigers fought hard to score before halftime but couldn’t break through, leaving the score at 42-0 at the break.

The second half saw Leicester aim for a try bonus point to salvage pride. Halfback Jack van Poortvliet sniped around the ruck to score Leicester’s first try, converted by Jamie Shillcock.

However, Toulouse continued to dominate with Thibaud Flament and Ange Capuozzo scoring again, both showcasing their flair and speed.

Substitute tighthead Will Hurd added Leicester’s second try, marking his first-ever for the club.

Despite this effort, Toulouse maintained their onslaught, with Ramos adding a try and further conversions to his tally. Late tries from Dupont, Flament, and Arthur Retière sealed the emphatic 80-12 result.

Despite the loss, head coach Richard Wigglesworth will focus on regrouping and building momentum as Leicester shifts its attention to domestic competitions.

Team line up:

Toulouse: Ramos; Capuozzo, Delibes, Barassi, Kinghorn; Ntamack, Dupont (capt); Neti, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Willis, Jelonch.

Reserves: Mauvaka, Baille, Merkler, Brennan, Banos, Graou, Lebel, Mallia.

Leicester Tigers: Steward; Bassett; Perese, Kelly; Hassell-Collins; Pollard, Van Poortvliet; Smith, Montoya (capt), Heyes, Henderson, Martin, Chessum, Reffell, Cracknell.

Reserves: Clare, Whitcombe, Hurd, Wells, Ilione, Whiteley, Shillcock, Kata.

 
 
 
 

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