Toulouse claim the spoils in a thrilling top of the table clash in the Top 14

With both Toulouse and Clermont taking part in European semi-finals next weekend, neither side was worried about throwing a number of key players out to set the Stade de Toulouse alight.

Toulouse came away with the spoils and booked their place in the semi-finals of the Top 14 in what was thrilling encounter of the Top 14 that truly had it all.

The top of the table Top 14 clash got off to slow start with the two sides trading penalties before Yoann Huget and Sebastien Bezy combined brilliantly to set up a try for the inform Sofiane Guitoune that Thomas Ramos converted. 

Laidlaw converted two penalties before Ramos got one back for Toulouse before the half hour mark. Damian Penaud managed to get one back for Clermont before the break after he finished off a fine Clermont attack.

Ramos had the final say of the half as the two sides went into the break all square 16 apiece. 

It took 6 minutes for Toulouse to break the deadlock in the second half with Cheslin Kolbe slicing through the Clermont defence despite slipping when receiving the ball. 

Just @Cheslin_Kolbe11 things #STASM pic.twitter.com/IyO3fHMn2f

— Antoine (@Koingue_) April 14, 2019

Peceli Yato hit back for Clermont just three minutes later thanks to a lovely kick over the top from a lineout. Jermone Kaino was sent to the sin bin for a late hit during the build up of that try. 

Richie Gray took Toulouse's lead to 10 points on the hour mark but Damian Penaud quickly cancelled out that advantage as he completed his hattrick scoring two tries in quick succession in the 62nd and 66th minute.

There was some controversy soon after with Iosefa Tekori shown a yellow card and conceded a penalty try for a high tackle on John Ulugia. The Clermont hooker darted towards the line and looked certain to score but Tekori caught him high with his shoulder and was arguably lucky not to see red as he knocked the 22-year-old hooker out cold.

Clermont looked to have won the match from there but Toulouse were not done! Romain Ntamack closed the gap just two minutes later and Fritz Lee was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. 

Toulouse kept knocking on the door of the Clermont defence and Sofiane Guitoune finally found a gap in the defence to complete his brace and fantastic win!

Top Performers

Damian Penaud was clinical in his approach and worked extremely hard to score a scintilating hattrick.

Sebastien Bezy was excellent as scrumhalf for Toulouse and could be real threat to Leinster if he appears off the bench or even in the starting line up in Dublin next weekend.

Thomas Ramos was playing for a start next week in Dublin and certainly impressed, especially off the tee, while Yoann Huget and Cheslin Kolbe were brilliant on the wings.

Apisai Naqalevu and Wesley Fofana were destructive with ball in hand as too was Sofiane Guitone on the other side of the pitch. 

The two Richies (Arnold and Gray) were brutal in their approach with Gray coming up with an important steal in the final knockings of the game.