Toulouse continued their impressive form Saturday wiht a commanding 59-22 victory over Section Paloise in Top 14 action, building on their recent 77-7 Champions Cup win against Sale. The dominant performance at Ernest-Wallon Stadium further solidifies Toulouse’s position atop the league standings and underscores their status as a perennial powerhouse in French rugby. Antoine Dupont made his return from injury during the match, though the team excelled even while he served time in the sin bin.
Toulouse delivered a dominant performance against Section Paloise on Saturday, securing a decisive victory at home during the 15th matchday.
Toulouse asserted their dominance on Saturday evening at Ernest-Wallon Stadium, following up a commanding 77-7 win over Sale in the Champions Cup with another impressive display. They overwhelmed their rivals, Section Paloise, with a final score of 59-22. The highly anticipated clash between the two teams was effectively decided within the first twenty minutes.
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A blistering first 40 minutes
Paloise came out firing, catching the Toulouse defense off guard with an early try from Brau-Boirie in the 5th minute. However, the champions responded swiftly, with Aldegheri crossing the line just five minutes later following a powerful driving maul (10th minute). This quick response ignited the Toulouse attack.
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By the 15th minute, Brennan marked his 100th appearance for Toulouse with a try, building momentum for the home side. The relentless pressure continued as Meafou, Toulouse’s powerful second row, added another try after a dominant lineout (19th minute). Section Paloise’s Laclayat managed to stem the tide briefly with a score of his own in the 22nd minute.
Toulouse’s dominance at the maul
Marchand extended Toulouse’s lead at the half-hour mark, capitalizing on another unstoppable maul (31st minute). Ramos then showcased his skill with a perfectly weighted kick to Thomas for the fifth try of the match (36th minute), before Gourgues added a sixth, capping off a masterful first half for the Rouge et Noir.
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The score at halftime was 40-15, effectively sealing the game. Toulouse continued to control the match in the second half, though with slightly less intensity. Brau-Boirie completed his brace shortly after the restart (50th minute). Willis then added a seventh try for Toulouse around the hour mark.
Substitutes Colombe (75th minute) and Jelonch (80th minute) added late scores to complete the rout. Despite a return from injury for Antoine Dupont – who also contributed three assists and received a yellow card in the 48th minute – Toulouse reaffirmed their position as a dominant force in the league. The win gives Toulouse a six-point lead over their opponents, who remain in second place in the standings.
