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2019 Heineken Champions Cup semi-finalists Toulouse will look to make it two wins from as many matches this season when they host Connacht Rugby at Stade Ernest Wallon on Saturday at 13:00 GMT.
The French side picked up a win at Gloucester in Round 1 while Connacht clinched a famous victory over Montpellier.
With a full-strength side, @StadeToulousain aren't messing around 👀
Can @connachtrugby go to France and get a result in #HeinekenChampionsCup Round 2? ☘️ pic.twitter.com/75rwUqkEsj
— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) November 22, 2019
Key facts
- Toulouse have won four of their last six previous Heineken Champions Cup games against Connacht.
- The French side have won their last five home games in the Heineken Champions Cup and the last time they won more in succession was back in 2011.
- Connacht have won their first away game in the Heineken Champions Cup in their last three seasons.
- Sofiane Guitone made five offloads in Round 1, more than any other player.
Toulouse bagged a late try to secure a bonus-point 32-17 victory over brave Connacht in Pool 5 of a riveting Heineken Champions Cup clash at Stade Ernest-Wallon.
The French side trailed 15-17 going into the final quarter but finished strongly to deservedly come out on top.
First full-back Thomas Ramos edged them ahead with a penalty before Jerome Kaino grabbed the decisive try after a spell of pressure and the conversion gave them an eight point cushion.
The home side then landed the knock-out blow in the dying moments when former Connacht man Pita Ahki charged over for a much sought after fourth try.
30 – 17 80ème minute : Essai toulousain de @AhkiPita #STCONN pic.twitter.com/XhdBp2vlqu
— Stade Toulousain (@StadeToulousain) November 23, 2019
Connacht gave as good as they got in the opening half despite losing second-rower Colby Fainga to a yellow card for a dangerous tackle on home fly-half Romain Ntamack.
The highlight for the visitors was a stunning try for scrum-half Caolin Blade on his 100th appearance for the club after brilliant approach work by Conor Fitzgerald and Fainga.
All over and Toulouse seal the win with a late try.
Disappointing not to get the losing bonus point, but plenty to build on after a really spirited performance.
Safe travels home to all our supporters 👏💚 pic.twitter.com/2I7KFQZcDD
— Connacht Rugby (@connachtrugby) November 23, 2019
Centre Tom Farrell had given Connacht an 11th minute lead when he sliced through a static defence but Toulouse excelled themselves with ball in hand to lead 15-14 at the break.
Scrum-half Sebastien Bezy scored the home side’s opening try when he was on hand to support a brilliant break by full-back Thomas Ramos.
Then with Connacht down to 14-men Toulouse moved the ball wide for winger Yoann Huget to dive in wide out and help give his side a half-time advantage before sealing victory as their pack dominated the final 20 minutes.
Toulouse host Montpellier in their next clash on Sunday, December 8 while Connacht will attempt to get back on track at Gloucester the same afternoon.
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