- Toulouse wins sixth European title, defeating Leinster
- Antoine Dupont named Player of the Match and Season
- Richie Arnold’s red card pivotal in extra-time victory
A European final is decided in extra time for the third occasion in nearly three decades. A red card is displayed in a final for the third time in four years. Leinster has suffered their third consecutive loss in the final. For the sixth time, Toulouse has emerged victorious.
Prior to this match, there was a sense that we might be able to observe two of the greatest club teams of the modern era. By the conclusion of another breathtaking event that adorned this extraordinary era of exhilarating rugby, that sensation was no less palpable.
Antoine Dupont was awarded Player of the Match and Player of the Season. He is widely considered the greatest player in the world, with some asserting that he is the greatest player in history. These official accolades serve to bolster his argument for the unofficial title. His matchup with Jamison Gibson-Park was touted as a battle of the world’s top scrum-halves. Dupont mitigated it, but his defense capabilities were less celebrated.
Richie Arnold’s red card following a clear-out on Cian Healy exacerbated Toulouse’s situation in the second half of extra-time. However, James Lowe’s yellow card for a deliberate knock-on in the second minute of extra-time catalyzed the game’s outcome. Matthis Lebel executed an exquisite attempt, fitting for the occasion, by streaking down an unattended wing.
Josh van der Flier would respond with a more nuanced effort for Leinster shortly after Arnold’s dismissal; however, their discipline had already deteriorated. Toulouse was ultimately unable to secure a victory over Leinster due to the penalties of Thomas Ramos, who began the match as a substitute.
Attempts? Who requires them? In this era of the try-fest, it is a delightful reminder that rugby can be thrilling without them. No player could reach the sacred tryline for an entire 80 minutes. Alright. Obtaining such an event is anticipated to be exceedingly challenging, and these organizations certainly know how to make it so.
In the second minute, we were presented with a vignette that foreshadowed the pyrotechnics that were to follow. This vignette specifically featured the two No. 9s. Toulouse initiated with a demonstration of bewitching force and agility, with Emmanuel Meafou mainly showcasing these contrasting qualities. He partnered with Juan Cruz Mallía on the right side, and Dupont was shortly in possession of the ball in the corner. Mallía appeared to have been on the verge of scoring a remarkable try after his preposterous offload. Still, Gibson-Park had crossed the line to prevent his arch-rival from securing the early accolades. Dupont’s toe was only just compelled into contact by his tackling.
The tone was established. A gleaming temple to the 21st century, this fabulous stadium was filled and roiled like a coliseum. The febrility of the crowd or the physicality of the players: which was the source of inspiration? Both were exceedingly intense by international standards.
Leinster was the team that came closest to scoring the game’s first try following that early exchange. Dan Sheehan, who epitomizes the sport’s extraordinary specimens, snatched the ball (from Dupont, no less), stepped inside Romain Ntamack, and, as if that were not enough for a front-row forward, proceeded to gallop 50 yards toward the try line. Blair Kinghorn was able to overtake him, a rangy full-back facing a barrelling hooker in a much more equitable match in the wide open spaces than it used to be.
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Kinghorn is discreetly moving up the rankings of the world’s premier full-backs if the maestros at No. 9 are contesting the best in the world in their position. Kinghorn has assumed Ramos’ goal-kicking responsibilities after being divested of the Toulouse No. 15 shirt, previously held by the France full-back. His penalties maintained Toulouse’s lead in the first half despite their primarily defensive focus. Dupont was equally extraordinary when he was on the other side of the ball and bewitching the best in the world with the ball in his hands, as is customary.
In the defensive masterclass, Jack Willis, the Englishman flourishing in the southern region of France, provided him with company. At the same time, Caelan Doris demonstrated an extraordinary display of robust ball-carrying to lead Leinster. However, this is a distinct level of club rugby, and Leinster’s finger-tip, multi-phase game could not progress, as the ball frequently hit the soil in the face of Toulouse’s ferocious breakdown work.
Toulouse continued to possess the most unambiguous opportunities despite the defense they were required to execute. Lebel believed he had scored in the second half after leaping majestically into the corner. However, Jordan Larmour’s challenge and Gibson-Park’s in the first half resulted in his opponent’s foot grazing the line.
These were the margins—toenails, finger tips, and a scattering of points—until Toulouse, with Tottenham’s thunder reverberating throughout the stadium, was extricated long after the conclusion of typical encounters. We are fortunate to be experiencing these times.
