A third representative of the Top 14, Racing 92, opposed Sunday (4:00 p.m.), at home, to the English of Sale, will try to join them in the semi-finals to confirm the current French domination over European rugby by doing as well as 2020-2021.

These quarters will remain whatever happens in the annals of the competition thanks to the legendary match won at the end of the suspense, and a very rare penalty shootout (4-2, 24-24 after extra time), by the Toulouse stadium against the Irish province of Munster.

Despite the hostile context in an Aviva Stadium in Dublin repainted in the colors of the "Red Army", the five-time European champion - a record - had strong nerves to go after as champion, with pride and courage, the fourteenth half- continental finale of its history.

The fourth in a row.

In a cathedral silence, the feet of the three designated Toulouse scorers, Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos and Romain Ntamack, in that order, did not tremble against the poles in a penalty shootout exercise yet so unusual in rugby.

"What we have done here is strong," Ramos breathed at the final whistle.

"It was a crazy match. It's atypical this end of the match (on penalties). We have more composure than them. We were hot against Ulster. We were hot today today, but we're still here."

La Rochelle too powerful

Facing Ulster in the previous round, the Rouge et Noir, diminished by numerous absences, had gone to the wire, for only a small point (26-20 defeat in the first leg, 30-23 victory in the return to Belfast) .

Ireland is obviously succeeding for them this season and that's pretty good, because they will return there next week to face Leinster in the same Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The Irish province, the second most successful team in the history of the European Cup behind Toulouse, with four coronations, dominated in their lair of Welford Road the Leicester Tigers (23-14), impressive leaders of the championship of England.

The leader of the French championship, Montpellier, also fell from the quarter, beaten in La Rochelle (31-19) after a showdown as bitter as it was tense.

La Rochelle pillar Dany Priso about to score a try during his team's victory over Montpellier on Saturday May 7, 2022 in the quarter-final of the European Rugby Cup at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium XAVIER LEOTY AFP

Revengeful after their loss in the final against Toulouse last year at Twickenham, Ronan O'Gara's men relied on their usual strengths, physically dominating the MHR as expected, deprived of their Blues Mohamed Haouas, suspended, and Paul Willemse, injured.

Even the last minute package from international center Jonathan Danty (contracture) did not flinch the Rochelais, still in the race to win their first title.

They will have to wait until Sunday to find out the name of their opponent, with perhaps a slight, non-national preference, since Sale's victory over Racing 92 would allow them to host again next week at the Marcel-Deflandre stadium.

© 2022 AFP