Exeter Outmuscle Giants Toulouse To Reach Their First European Final
- 2005
Exeter picked Toulouse apart in their Champions Cup semi-final at Sandy Park to reach their first-ever European final against Racing 92 on 17 October at Bristol’s Ashton Gate.
Toulouse thrilled on attack with Cheslin Kolbe once again breezing past defenders in the build up to a try for Alban Placines but Exeter were too strong as they powered past the four-time European Champions.
Exeter's Simmonds brothers, Joe and Sam, with Joe scoring 13 of Exeter's points while Sam took home the man of the match award.
Prop Harry Williams scored two tries, number eight Sam Simmonds also touched down and skipper Joe Simmonds rounded out the scoring with a superb individual score.
Toulouse led for much of the first half, with replacement lock Alban Placines scoring a try and full-back Thomas Ramos kicking two penalties before Matthis Lebel added a consolation score that Ramos converted.
Ramos opened the scoring with back to back penalties before Harry Williams dotted down in the 30th minute before Alban Placines finished off a stellar Toulouse try in the 36th minute.
Toulouse are a joy to watch 🤩#EXEST #EXEvST pic.twitter.com/KeZJOYnOte
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 26, 2020
Exeter hit back once more before the breakthrough Sam Simmonds as Exeter led 14-11 at half time.
Ramos would miss an early second-half penalty before Williams doubled his tally just before the hour mark. Toulouse looked threatening but Sam Simmonds won a turnover before his brother Joe scored on the other side of the pitch to put the game beyond Toulouse reach.
Simmonds sells the dummy and seals a place in the final 🔥 #EXEvTOU pic.twitter.com/7rhBF5CBS0
— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) September 26, 2020
Toulouse grabbed a consolation try through Matthis Lebel but the game was gone by that stage.
