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Watch: Scenes of jubilation as Toulouse become Europe's giant-killers
Is this the re-birth of Toulouse as a superpower of Europe?
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The four-time champions knocked off the biggest scalp so far in this year’s tournament, taking down current champions Leinster by a point in front of a full house at the Stade Ernest Wallon.
Toulouse. Are. Back! ?
A monumental effort, a monumental win!
Sensational scenes at the full-time whistle as the champions have been defeated! ? pic.twitter.com/QxyjElM1sf
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 21, 2018
The 28-27 win was built off the back of uncompromising defence and scores against the run of play to unsettle Leinster, never allowing them to get into a rhythm.
The home side built an early 14-0 lead but Leinster quickly found their way back, closing the gap to 14-13 before Toulouse scored a stunning strike through centre Sofiane Guitoune, who skipped around fullback Jordan Larmour to stretch the lead to 21-13.
What a step! ?
Sofiane Guitoune with the filthy footwork to deliver a sucker-punch right as Leinster looked to be back in it!
We've got a cracking contest on our hands here…
BT Sport 2 HD ? pic.twitter.com/QOTZ43eays— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 21, 2018
It seemed that Leinster would get away with a tough away win, after grinding away to take the lead back but Toulouse had one last play, snatching an intercept and keeping the ball alive for Maxime Médard to score his second try of the match.
Fullback Thomas Ramos nailed the clutch conversion to give Toulouse the lead.
Vintage Toulouse ?
The French side just refuse to quit as they re-take the lead on the back of a huge interception!
Superb ? pic.twitter.com/6OWkUID9Dy
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) October 21, 2018
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A tense final few moments saw Toulouse hold onto the ball and soak up the final 60 seconds and seal a mammoth result, heading to the top of the Pool with two wins from two matches.
Leinster couldn’t produce any heroics in the dying stages and lynchpin Jonathan Sexton was criticised by fans for tactically kicking the ball away with only minutes remaining.
2 minutes left on the clock your loosing and you kick the ball to your opponents in what world is that a good idea. Poor decision @JohnnySexton great game tho. #LeinsterRugby #TOUvLEI
— Michael (@mikehernon23) October 21, 2018
Can anyone shed some light on why Sexton kicked away possession with two minutes to go? #TOUvLEI
— Tom Downes (@tom_downes) October 21, 2018
What was Sexton at giving possession back to Toulouse with 2 minutes to go and a point down? Beggars belief! #TOUvLEI
— Patrick Jones (@proplyfe_com) October 21, 2018
The two other teams in the Pool, English clubs Wasps and Bath in the Pool shared a draw, effectively knocking both out of contention after first-up losses. Leinster’s seemingly rosy position looks less secure but they are still alive to defend their title.
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