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Toulouse
Toulouse, the most successful side in Europe, will kick off their Heineken Cup campaign when they host Gloucester at the Stade Ernest Wallon on Sunday.
The four-times Heineken Cup champions and aristocrats of European rugby, who lead the Top 14 in France, have never locked horns with the West country giants before in what promises to be an intriguing clash.
Vincent Clerc, Toulouse’s French international wing, is the leading try scorer in the history of the tournament with 32 tries and he will be hoping to add to his try tally against Gloucester.
The Cherry and Whites, who lost a Heineken Cup semi-final to Leicester at Vicarage Road back in 2001, will be desperate to prove their credentials as genuine candidates for this season’s tournament.
Vainqueur de leur poule
Former Heineken Cup Champions Toulouse were made to work hard for an opening victory in this year’s tournament, having to come from behind twice to beat a passionate Gloucester side.
The Cherry and Whites held the lead for long periods of the game, but clinical finishing from the hosts saw them claim a tight 21 v 17 victory.
Freddie Burns kicked Gloucester ahead with a penalty after 12 minutes and the English side then silenced the crowd in the south of France by extending that lead with a try from Charlie Sharples which Burns also converted.
It looked like Gloucester would head into the break with a ten point lead but eight points in five minutes from Toulouse dragged them back into contention.
First Luke McAlister kicked over a penalty and then Timoci Matanavou touched down right before the interval.
Gloucester lost Scotland back-row Alasdair Strokosch to the sin-bin on 50minutes and in his absence Toulouse took the lead with a second McAlister penalty.
Replacement Lionel Beauix kicked them further ahead before Gloucester again forced their way back in front with a stunning try from speedster Henry Trinder.
Just when a famous victory looked on the cards for the visitors, Toulouse dug deep and Clement Poitrenaud saved the day with a try six minutes from time.
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