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'Francois Steyn eat your heart out': Cheslin Kolbe's fires warning shot to Lions with incredible drop goal in Top 14 final
By Sam Smith
Toulouse completed their double with an 18-8 win over La Rochelle in the Top 14 final, beating their rivals for the second time for more silverware after previously beating them in the European final.
The match did not reach any great heights, with Toulouse failing to score a try and instead winning the game with four penalties and two drop goals.
One of them was a monster effort from Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe, a nailed a drop kick from his own half on the stroke of halftime to build a crucial 12-0 lead going into the break.
With seemingly nothing on, Dupont pivoted 180 degrees to link with Kolbe back in the pocket, who slammed the goal only inches inside his own half. The incredible effort sailed through the posts and over the dead ball line.
The commentator was shocked with the effort, in utter disbelief with the long-range effort.
"No I don't believe it, he's going for a drop goal. That is not going to sail between the sticks, is it? IT IS!" he said.
"Two drops in the final of the Top 14, oh come on, this is ridiculous!"
With flyhalf Romain Ntamack ruled out of the game after a horrific concussion in the semi-final, Thomas Romas moved into 10 while Kolbe took over at fullback. The drop goal was the first of his career.
The effort helped Toulouse clinch their 21st Top 14 title, who looked in control the entire match as they never relinquished the lead.
Thomas Ramos, who scored 15 points through the boot, ensured the side kept La Rochelle under the pump. Ronan O'Gara's side managed to get back in the match with a late try but it wasn't enough.
The win gave former All Black Jerome Kaino his second domestic title alongside his European one in his last game of professional rugby.
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You’d think the first step would be taking responsibility for the stupid sh*t you did and to stop blaming other people. Does he seriously think that people believe him when he says it just magically got into his system without him knowing anything about it? You’re gonna notice if you’re on the juice, bruh.
Go to commentsI watch the Reds now, and many of their players, and think back to watching London Irish in their last two years under Michael Kiss. I recall Nick Phipps looking a very competent scrumhalf, Rob Simmons a lynch pin in the lineouts. Both men writen off by many on the rugby sites. There is no question in my mind that Kiss has a very different touch to any coach the Reds have had in years. It will take time, but this team could develop into a very good team, hard to beat by any one down here in the SH. You highlight two players especially, Nick. Vunivalu and Paisami are thriving this year, especially the latter. And so many others. The now heavier Fraser McReight, his great mate Harry Wilson, and the “Fardy” man, Liam Wright. That is only three, ut in reality every player is acroos the whole squad is the better for the new regime.
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