Dupont and Ntamack work together
The Toulouse hinge was key to his team's success on Sunday at the Stadium against Exeter (43-40). Both decisive, the two Haut-Garonnais were effective against the English. Whether it was Antoine Dupont, the key passer on Teddy Thomas's goal (33'), or Romain Ntamack, author of a sumptuous try shortly before the hour mark (56'), both undermined the Chiefs' defense. On a difficult day and reshuffled at kick-off, the Haut-Garonnais were able to count on the extraordinary quality of their tandem who, without being at the top of their art, knew how to take things in hand in order to achieve a long-undecided success.
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Stirring up great days
In the space of two minutes, Matias Remue completely restarted the Toulouse machine. His first try of the match rewarded a perfectly executed collective movement. On the right side, Théo Ntamack and Teddy Thomas put the English defense in difficulty before the winger ideally served the Belgian rear, who came to conclude the action. In the process, the Brussels native showed his power and speed to break through the Chiefs' defensive system. Once the opposing lines were crossed, he perfectly shifted Romain Ntamack, who then left alone for the test. Two high-class sequences which thrilled the Stadium audience, who had been frustrated for a long time this Sunday afternoon. But the Haut-Garonne fullback had not yet finished his recital. A little over ten minutes from the final whistle, the Stadiste scored a double at the end of a new individual breakthrough of which he has the secret. An exceptional second period for number 15, the real detonator of the Toulouse revolt.
One Ntamack hides another
Romain Ntamack's younger brother, Théo, delivered a strong match against the English. Against the Chiefs, the Toulouse third row spared no effort, while taking the game into his own hands. Within a Haut-Garonnaise team that has been largely overhauled for this first meeting of the season in the Champions Cup, the 24-year-old seized his chance perfectly, as is often the case when Ugo Mola calls on him. A (very) reliable element… and promising.
Thomas in teeth…
Against Exeter, the Toulouse winger scored in a corner, on a superb pass from Antoine Dupont, his 21st try in the European Cup. An achievement which illustrates the effectiveness of the French international since his arrival on the banks of the Garonne. But on Sunday, the number 14 at the stadium alternated between the good… and the less good.
Flops
… saw
In the wake of his try, Teddy Thomas received a yellow card for a forward on his 22 meter line, leaving his team at 13 against 15, already deprived of Rodrigue Neti, directly sent off after receiving a red card a quarter of an hour into the game. Outnumbered, the French champions ended up giving in twice in quick succession, returning to the locker room two points behind. An error from the Toulouse three-quarter which cost his partners dearly.
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Neti slips
Stade Toulousain could have done without it. A quarter of an hour into the game, Rodrigue Neti was sent off for a dangerous contact to the head, deemed too high and unfair. The Stadium then found itself outnumbered from the first minutes until the final whistle. In the European Cup, at this level of the competition, especially for your team's entry into the tournament, getting through this point is not possible. An afternoon to quickly forget for the Haut-Garonnais region. Completely upside down.
The French champions in slow motion
-Despite the victory, conceding six tries against Exeter, in front of their home crowd, for their first match of the season in the Champions Cup, is not worthy of the standing of Stade Toulousain. Even if the four-time French champions have a considerable margin over their competitors, Ugo Mola's men cannot afford to evolve in such an irregular manner and to put themselves in danger and then react better. During their last two confrontations against Exeter, the Haut-Garonnais won by scoring more than 60 points. This Sunday, the scenario was completely different. Overall, Stade Toulousain delivered a disappointing performance and was frightened for a long time in front of its public against a team well within its reach.
