Montpellier (AFP)
Toulouse took a decisive step towards qualifying for the quarter-finals of the European Cup by obtaining, by dint of realism, an improved victory (26-18) in Montpellier, excluded from the race, on Saturday during the fourth day .
Four out of four. Thanks to this fourth victory in as many games, the Rouge et Noir, semi-finalists of the previous edition, sit at the head of pool 4 (18 pts), with a nine point lead over Gloucester and ten points over Connacht.
The quarter-final is therefore no longer in doubt, even if it is not yet mathematically in the pocket. It will be with a simple success during the last two days in January, in Ireland or at home against the English, knowing that even a defensive bonus point should be enough.
The Toulousans are however targeting the Grand Slam in an attempt to secure a quarter-final at home. In this perspective, the offensive bonus point, gleaned from the siren thanks to Lucas Thauzin, could prove to be precious.
Since the return of the internationals and the end of the World Cup, they have gone on, their sixth victory in a row, against the Héraultais who again fail in large widths in competition.
They were aiming for a second qualification in their history? Xavier Garbajosa's men collected only a small victory (5 pts) and, beaten Saturday for the first time of the season at home, with a large team revamped, tarnish their fragile confidence for the continuation of the championship .
- Wounded Picamoles -
What is more, the MHR probably lost for the end of the year its captain and former international Louis Picamoles, evacuated on a stretcher in the third minute of play after a left knee injury.
Approximate in attack like the opener Johan Goosen, the formation of Mohed Altrad was betrayed by its lightness in defense.
Toulouse, still just as opportunistic, took the opportunity to exploit its errors and score almost with each incursion into the opposing camp.
The international opener Romain Ntamack, already the author of a double last Sunday (23-9), first concluded an attack started from 22 meters Toulouse (15th).
The second Australian line Rory Arnold, for his 3rd game under his new colors, then unlocked his counter and allowed Toulouse to take control, by a double: after a touch quickly played (34th) taking advantage of an incredible absence of defense, then an interception of a pass from Bismarck Du Plessis (49th, 21-13).
If Montpellier returned to three points on a ride from the overpowered Fijian winger Nemani Nadolo, who injured on action the world champion Cheslin Kolbe (61st), he never gave the impression of being able (really?) reverse the course of this meeting and its European destiny. That of Toulouse will be written again in the spring.
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