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Toulouse player ratings vs Harlequins | 2023/24 Champions Cup
By Ian Cameron
Toulouse player rating: The aristocrats of European rugby got it done in end but it didn’t come without a scare from Gallagher Premiership mavericks Harlequins, who traded tries with Ugo Mola’s side for the best part of 70 minutes.
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Here’s how we rate the Toulouse players.
1. Cyril Baille – 7
Held firm in the scrum, providing a stable platform despite the pressure from Harlequins’ pack. Worked tirelessly in defence and contributed well in open play but couldn’t always break through Harlequins’ strong defensive line.
2. Peato Mauvaka – 8
Handled brilliantly in the lead-up to Toulouse’s first try and was a formidable presence on both sides of the ball. Probably Toulouse’s most effective forward ball carrier.
3. Dorian Aldegheri – 6
Ultimately edged his battle with loosehead Fin Baxter in the scrum but improved as the match went on. Put in some dominant hits in open play.
4. Thibaud Flament – 7.5
Dominant in the lineout and delivered several important tackles to disrupt Harlequins’ attacking flow. Took his try well from close range on 26 minutes at the expense of Chandler Cunnigham-South.
5. Emmanuel Meafou – 7
The giant second row carried hard and delivered thunderous hits, slowing Harlequins’ progress at critical moments and compounding their misery as a ball carrier. Thoroughly unpleasant to tackle.
6. Francois Cros – 7
As usual lead the tackle count for the French side. The French flanker was machine-like in defence and at the breakdown, even if he was wrong-footed by Tyrone Green.
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7. Jack Willis – 7
Despite not reaching the heights of his last Investec Champions Cup outing, he delivered a solid performance against his English countrymen. Made crucial tackles and proved disruptive at the breakdown.
8. Alexandre Roumat – 6
Worked hard in defence but was somewhat overshadowed by his teammates and the Harlequins back row.
9. Antoine Dupont – 9
Controlled the tempo with slick passing and dangerous runs, keeping Harlequins’ defence guessing throughout. Scored twice and looks even sharper after being on the SVNS circuit, consistently posing a threat with his speed and vision. His head-to-head with Jamieson Gibson-Park in the final will be box office.
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10. Romain Ntamack – 8
Commanded the game’s pace with tactical kicks and sharp passing that opened up Harlequins’ defence, most notably with a sublime pass for Matthis Lebel’s opening try.
11. Matthis Lebel – 6
Troubled Harlequins with his speed and agility on the wing, consistently threatening the line, taking his opening try well with just 3 minutes on the clock. Against that his mismanagement of a Louis Lynagh kick directly led to a try for catch and drive try for Harlequins.
12. Pita Ahki – 5
Defended poorly against Marcus Smith for Harlequins’ first try but had a hard day at the office containing Harlequins’ midfield. Struggled to impose himself with ball in hand.
13. Paul Costes – 7
His defence creaked at times but his high rugby IQ was on show in attack, helping to set up Dupont’s first try with a street-smart awareness for his dink through.
– Mais pourquoi ils sautent pas en touche ?! Ouais bah c’est ça! rattrappez vous en marquant un essai de 80m…
Ils ont des cannes et de l’envie au @StadeToulousain ❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/7eZlvNivRq
— Investec Champions Cup France (@ChampionsCup_FR) May 5, 2024
14. Juan Cruz Mallia – y
Smart runs and a solid presence on the wing but lacked opportunities. Pounced in the 67th minute to put daylight between the home side and the visitors.
15. Blair Kinghorn – 5
A few unforced errors marred an otherwise decent performance. Hard to fault him for his failed attempt at stopping Cadan Murley in the corner. His kicking was reasonable.
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Julien Marchand – 7
What a player to spring from the bench. Provided stability in the scrum and bolstered defensive efforts.
17. Rodrigue Neti – 6
Added fresh energy to the pack and performed well in set-pieces.
18. Joel Merkler – 6
Competent ball-carrying and reliable scrummaging.
19. Richie Arnold – 6
The giant Aussie brought some extra physicality and support in the lineout, even if he cost his teammates a turnover.
20. Mathis Castro – 6
Relentless at the breakdown in his short spell on the pitch.
21. Paul Graou – NA
Unused.
22. Santiago Chocobares – NA
Not on long enough to rate.
23. Thomas Ramos – 8
His vision and precise kicking kept Harlequins under constant pressure after he came on and his goal-kicking accuracy was helpful to say the least.