Toulouse claim semi-final spot after beating Munster on place kicks
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Toulouse beat Munster Rugby 2-4 on place kicks to reach the Champions Cup semi-finals after a breathtaking 24-24 draw at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
100 minutes of rugby couldn't separate the two sides after a scoreless extra-time and the spoils being shared 24 all after 80 minutes.
Misses from Ben Healy and Conor Murray proved to be crucial, as Toulouse were perfect from the spot with Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (2) and Romain Ntamack slotting their efforts.
Alex Kendellen gave Munster the lead after nine minutes but Toulouse's response was swift as Ntamack found his way over the line.
Matthis Lebel grabbed his first of the match after a dominant scrum from Toulouse. Keith Earls found space out wide to cross the line before Joey Carbery levelled things at 14 points apiece at half time.
Munster would take the lead on 44 minutes as centre Chris Farrell tore through the Toulouse defence and sent Mike Haley over.
Rory Arnold was sin-binned in the 50th minute for a dangerous tackle on Simon Zebo with Carbery slotting a penalty soon after.
A slick set move following a lineout saw Peato Mauvaka put Matthis Lebel tearing through the Munster defence and the winger side-stepped past Zebo to score.
Trailing by three points, Toulouse fullback Thomas Ramos attempted a drop goal that went wide but he was able to redeem himself as he slotted a penalty to level the scores.
Munster replacement Ben Healy had the opportunity to win the game but his shot at goal from inside his own half drifted wide.
Ultimately be heartbreak for Munster, as Murray and Healy dragged their place kicks wide and Toulouse’s kickers held their nerve to book their place in the last four.
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