Toulouse yet again demonstrated a practical example as to why they are still the champions after they went past Glasgow’s defence five times to result in a dominating victory of 36-10.
The game was definitely a brilliant exhibition of skill and technique from Toulouse. At the end of very first half, score was 14-3 with Toulouse leading due to the first half tries by Maxi Medrad and Virgile Lacombe. Glasgow made a comeback in the second
half which was then thrashed by the Clement Poitrenaud, Thierry Dusautoir and Vincent Clerc. DTH van der Merwe lit a lamp of hope in second half for Glasgow fans but then he did not have much to offer.
Everyone remembers the last time Warriors were facing Toulouse, it was an upset and they surprised with the biggest shocks ever in Europe with 33-26 victory over the champions in 2009. This time, the reigning and the four times Heineken Cup champions were
determined not to make history repeat itself and blew away the Warriors with technique and determination.
The match after being postponed twice, firstly from Saturday to Sunday and then Sunday to Tuesday, had created tension and a fair bit of rivalry between the two sides. There was exchange of statements between the management of both sides through press, two
days prior to the match. The luggage dispute Glasgow had with British Airways was cleared and their luggage arrived few hours prior to the match. After arriving to Toulouse in a 16-hour journey, the team found out their luggage had not arrived. Back at home,
Warriors had made late changes in the team and didn’t look in much spirit as they were supposed to be. They were booed and jeered by the Toulouse fans disappointed with the postponement of the game twice.
The match started with Toulouse launching their attack into the Warrior’s defence through every gap they could possibly find. It was as if they were giving in everything they had into their game and aggressiveness. Louis Picamoles shocked the guest team
by almost scoring. And then suddenly after that the defence started to show its weakness, it was then when Medrad gave the Toulouse fans what they came for. The Top 14 leading scorer had to take it all the way to the posts after he found a miss-match in midfield.
Score went up to 7-0 after David Skrela did a fine conversion.
The warriors then earned a penalty when Colin Gregor was yanked down. Colin Gregor was almost close to score with the trademark Max Evans break when the scrum half got Glasgow a penalty, which was successfully utilised by Ruaridh Jackson.
The game was heating up and the first twenty minutes were energising for the supporters from both sides. The energy led to a brawl not off field but on field. Toulouse pocketed a penalty while Richie Grey was sent to sin-bin. Richie Grey was deemed to have
initiated the row and so was he rebuked. This was even more demoralising for the Glasgow Warriors and made their attack weak.
Toulouse exploiting the situation went on increasing their lead. Lacombe took the second try and David Skrela added the total with extras into the 23rd minute. Toulouse kept on pushing the Warriors defence until the end of first half.
The guest team started second half finely, the flying Dutchman Van der Merwe stepped inside Poitrenaud to successfully score beneath the posts. Ruaridh Jackson confidently converted his solo effort just after the Van der Merwe and brought Glasgow within
four points. Glasgow fans had something to cheer about. This was the intense moment of the match and an alarm for the host team.
Toulouse understood the challenge and went on with the thrashing of Warriors defence. David Skrela took a fine penalty and Poitrenaud raced into the Warriors to score a try which Skrela converted expertly from the touchline. David Skrela proved to be the
crucial player on Tuesday and confirmed the victory for Toulouse.
Toulouse earned the bonus-point try with Dusautoir’s try in 65th minute. Vincent Clerc who came on replacement executed another and snatched all the hopes from Glasgow Warriors.
It was a good display of Rugby and a step forward for Toulouse and Pool 6. Toulouse maintains the top position with four out of four victories.
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