Toulouse guarantee top-two finish in Top 14 as Lyon lose
Toulouse took advantage of defeats for a number of sides further down the Top 14 table as they sealed a top-two spot.
A 21-20 victory away at fourth-placed Castres took Toulouse out of reach of Lyon, who are third and were beaten by Agen, while Racing 92 also lost against Pau on Saturday.
Castres were dominant against league leaders Toulouse but fell foul of Thomas Ramos' kicking, as seven penalties – including two in the final 10 minutes – secured a dramatic Toulouse win.
Lyon fell 19 points behind top spot with three games remaining after they lost 25-15, with both of their tries coming in the closing stages of a disappointing match.
Facundo Bosch, Antoine Miquel and Leo Berdeu went over for Agen.
Pau held on to edge Racing 29-27 after an early flurry, with the dismissal of second try scorer Watisoni Votu 18 minutes from time putting his side under pressure.
Votu had scored a fine effort to put his side in complete control after 16 minutes, but saw red for a high tackle on Teddy Iribaren before Virimi Vakatawa's double almost completed a remarkable fightback.
Elsewhere, there were big wins for La Rochelle and Montpellier in Saturday's other games.
La Rochelle scored seven of the 11 tries in their clash with Perpignan, prevailing 51-29, while Louis Picamoles crossed twice for Montpellier as they saw off Grenoble 47-12.
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In the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to commentsI’d be fascinated to see what other candidates you all might have for the Lions captaincy role. Let me know, below 👍
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