Toulouse 80-12 Leicester: Rugby from the Gods as Toulouse rip Tigers apart with hugely impressive display
Share:
There are some things in life those with a love for sport’s highest level must watch live to truly appreciate; Lionel Messi dribbling in full flow, the ease with which Tiger Woods swings a golf club, Roger Federer’s effortless backhand. For rugby purists, Toulouse belong in the same elite category.
![[Jack Willis also managed to make a major impact during a superb Toulouse display]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/21/94273901-0-image-a-132_1737321759850.jpg)
This was an afternoon of untold misery for Leicester as they were ripped apart by a simply majestic French side to suffer a record European defeat at the hands of the defending champions. But anyone with a passion for the 15-a-side game, even disgruntled Tigers fans – who travelled in numbers here – must surely have appreciated the Toulouse performance.
![[Leicester coach Michael Cheika said that he was hurt personally by the performance]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/21/94274039-0-image-a-138_1737322130223.jpg)
They played rugby from the Gods, scoring at a point a minute. Toulouse ended with 12 tries, crossing for six in either half. It was utterly astonishing and a true privilege to witness in person. Antoine Dupont took on the Messi role as conductor as Leicester were ripped to shreds. All around him, the majestic Dupont had leading lights.
![[Leicester captain Julian Montoya apologised to the club's fans following the game]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/21/94274155-0-image-a-139_1737322239517.jpg)
Jack Willis, so dearly missed by England as he is in the form of his life, pilfered ball at the breakdown relentlessly. Romain Ntamack unleashed his forwards and backs. Italian ‘racing snake’ Ange Capuozzo led blue shirts a merry dance. Thibaud Flament had a field day. Dupont, Emmanuel Meafou, Capuozzo and Flament all ended with braces.
![[The impressive Ange Capuozzo dives to score a try during Toulouse's victory]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/21/94274193-14302787-image-a-140_1737322466565.jpg)
Lock Flament was named the official man of the match. It takes something to outshine Dupont and his French colleagues, but Capuozzo was the best player on the pitch in this writer’s opinion. Toulouse led 42-0 at the break. The scoreboard struggled to keep up from kick-off. Toulouse are a team of Galacticos – rugby’s equivalent of Real Madrid – but this was a strong Leicester side packed full of England and Wales internationals, including the returning Ollie Chessum.
![[Leicester found themselves outclassed by Toulouse and will be disappointed with their display]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/19/21/94274221-14302787-image-a-141_1737322589862.jpg)
