European Professional Club Rugby | Review of the season: Toulouse and Munster kings of suspense
We resume our recap of a superb 2021/2022 Champions Cup season, with a focus on the quarter-finals which offered one of the most thrilling games in the history of the competition.
Toulouse defeats Munster
Stade Toulousain, defending champion, won after a breathtaking kicking session, while the two teams finished the match, at the Aviva Stadium, with a score of parity (24 -24). Munster were nevertheless leading five minutes from the final whistle thanks to tries from Alex Kendellen, Keith Earls and Mike Haley, but Romain Ntamack and Matthis Lebel, who scored twice, allowed the Rouge et Noir to stay in contact, before Thomas Ramos scored the penalty bringing his side level. While the extra time did not have the score evaluated, the match was decided on penalties. And Thomas Ramos, Antoine Dupont (2) as well as Romain Ntamack gave Toulouse a 4-2 win. The Munstermen saw attempts by Ben Healy and Conor Murray miss the mark.
The stunning Racing 92
Racing 92 displayed all its attacking qualities during an impressive display against Sale Sharks at Paris La Défense Arena (41-22). Teddy Thomas, Finn Russell and Juan Imhoff all scored superb tries, while Nolann Le Garrec showed his accuracy against the posts with 19 kicks. Sale found the way to the Ile-de-France in-goal in the first half through Manu Tuilagi, before Akker van der Merwe and Ben Curry struck in turn. But Racing 92 had already sealed its qualification for the semi-finals.
Leinster cracks Leicester
Author of an impressive first period, Leinster Rugby got the better of the Tigers, at Mattioli Woods Welford Road (23-14). All but three of Ireland’s points came before the break. Josh van der Flier and Robbie Henshaw scored Leinster’s tries in the opening 20 minutes, while Johnny Sexton netted two offs. Author of a test from the start of the second period, Chris Ashton revived Leicester, but Ross Byrne’s loss extended the Irish provincial lead. Nic Dolly’s late try came too late for Steve Borthwick’s side to reach the last four of the competition.
La Rochelle has Montpellier
Author of 16 points on foot, Ihaia West helped Stade Rochelais eliminate Montpellier Hérault Rugby at Stade Marcel-Deflandre (31-19). Dany Priso, Victor Vito and Levani Botia crossed the MHR goal line to put the Maritimes in a sharp lead for much of the game. The trials of Henry Thomas, Yvan Reilhac and Zach Mercer allowed the Cistes to react, but West’s four penalties – including three in the last 15 minutes – sealed the qualification of the Rochelais.