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Mjekevu stars as Toulouse edge past Lyon
By Ben Spratt
Toulouse battled to a 30-23 victory over 14-man Lyon at Stade Ernest Wallon to leapfrog their opponents into second place in the European Challenge Cup's Pool 2.
The hosts turned in a dominant first-half display in their first European triumph of the season, with Wandile Mjekevu the inspiration as he scored twice.
Having won 17-9 at Lyon in the Top 14 last month, Toulouse took the initiative on home turf and Jean-Marc Doussain dispatched a pair of penalties after Romain Ntamack's early try was ruled out.
Mjekevu then went over for a brilliant opening try - storming through the Lyon defence - and the same man quickly scored again, with two successful conversions from Doussain adding to a handsome lead.
A dismal first half continued for the visitors as Timilai Rokoduru was dismissed for a high tackle, although two Jonathan Pelissie penalties got them on the scoreboard - the lead cut to 20-6 at the break.
Yoann Huget's score looked to have Toulouse back on track after the restart, but Lyon responded with a third Pelissie penalty and Theo Belan's converted try.
And although Sofiane Guitoune added a fourth home try, the visitors ensured a nervy finish as Jone Tuva scored - Frederic Michalak converting - and Mjekevu let slip a late opportunity for a hat-trick, with Toulouse scraping over the line.
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Latest Comments
I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.
Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.
Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.
They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.
That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.
Go to commentsGB = England, Scotland, Wales. UK = England, Wales, Scotland, NI
Nothing to stew son.
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