French Top 14 round three: Toulouse surprises Stade Francais
Toulouse was able to muscle past Stade Francais at home in the final game of round three on Saturday.
Toulouse managed to get their game back on track with a win over Stade Francais over the weekend. Stade Francais was able to take a narrow five-point lead into half-time. However, Toulouse was able to put on a clinic in the second stanza keeping Stade off the board while dominating in offence to finish with a 34-16 victory.
Recap
Toulouse got the scoring started with a penalty in the sixth minute from scrum-half Nicolas Vergallo, to give the home side a 3-0 lead early.
Toulouse kept the pressure on and was able to add to their lead just 10 minutes later with a try courtesy of William Servat.
Martin Rodriguez Gurruchage was the offensive catalyst for Stade on the day and he started off the scoring for his side in the 22nd minute with a penalty, cutting the lead to 8-3.
Toulouse grabbed their five-point lead back with a penalty in the 28th minute from Florian Fritz.
Nevertheless, Rodriguez Gurruchage got his side back within striking distance scoring two penalties in the 33rd and 39th minutes respectively, to bring the score to 11-9. However, he was not finished, adding a try and a conversion just before the first half came to a close. The late onslaught from Rodriguez Gurruchage allowed the visitors to take a 16-11 lead into the half-time.
After the break Toulouse came out strong, scoring a penalty courtesy of Nicolas Bezy just five minutes into the second stanza.
The home side continued to put on the pressure as winger Maxime Medard crossed the whitewash in the 47th minute and Bezy kicked the conversion to give Toulouse a 21-16 advantage.
The rest of the match was all Toulouse, as the hosts slotted home another two penalties and a try to down the previously unbeaten Stade Francais.
Analysis
Like the majority of squads this season Toulouse has struggled to stay consistent, however their display against Stade Francais is a perfect example of how dangerous they can be when they are on top of their game. Nevertheless, they will have to carry over their play to next week if they hope to remain at the top of the table.
Stade Francais has had an impressive season up to this point and remain a force in the League. Unfortunately they ran into a tough opponent in Toulouse over the weekend. Nevertheless, if they are able to continue playing solid, offensive rugby like they did in the first two rounds they should have a successful year.
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