Toulouse thrash Racing 92 71-17 in record Top 14 semi-final as Dupont returns in style
Antoine Dupont marked his return from injury with a try and an assist as Toulouse demolished Racing 92 71-17 at Stade Vélodrome to reach the Top 14 final, setting a new record for the largest semi-final margin.
Record rout in Marseille
Toulouse scored ten tries against Racing 92, winning 71-17 in the Top 14 semi-final at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. The 54-point margin is the largest ever in a Top 14 semi-final. The triple defending champions led 38-3 at half-time after tries from Teddy Thomas, Francois Cros, Emmanuel Meafou, Jack Willis and a late first-half score from Dupont. The rout continued after the break with further tries by Kalvin Gourgues, Matthis Lebel, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka and Ange Capuozzo. Racing managed only a third-minute penalty by Antoine Gibert and two late converted tries from Jordan Joseph and Max Spring.
Dupont returns in style
Scrum-half Antoine Dupont had been sidelined for over a month with a groin injury and missed the end of the regular season. In his first match since 9 May, he created the opening try in the 6th minute with a chip-kick for Teddy Thomas and later crossed himself before half-time. The 67,000-strong crowd gave him a standing ovation when he was substituted with 30 minutes remaining. Full-back Thomas Ramos was absent with a thigh injury, leaving Romain Ntamack to take over the goal-kicking duties.
What they said
Toulouse head coach Ugo Mola praised his side and joked about Dupont's recent appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
Racing 92 manager Patrice Collazo admitted his team was outclassed.The Cannes Film Festival didn't handicap him too much for this semi-final. I hope it won't handicap him for the final.
The script is simple, you have to recognise Toulouse's superiority. They took control from the first minutes. You can't be disappointed when you're beaten like that.
Road to the final
The victory keeps Toulouse on track for a record-equalling fourth consecutive Bouclier de Brennus, which would be the club's 25th French league title. They have won their last eight championship finals and have not lost a domestic final since 2008. The second semi-final between Montpellier and Stade Français takes place on Saturday evening, also in Marseille. The winner will face Toulouse in the final next Saturday in Paris.
Match timeline
- 3rd minute: Antoine Gibert penalty gives Racing an early 3-0 lead
- 6th minute: Dupont chip-kick sets up Teddy Thomas try; Toulouse go ahead
- Tries by Francois Cros, Emmanuel Meafou and Jack Willis stretch the lead
- Dupont scores just before half-time, Toulouse lead 38-3 at the break
- Second half: tries by Gourgues, Lebel, Marchand, Mauvaka and Capuozzo
- Racing manage consolations through Jordan Joseph and Max Spring
- Full-time: 71-17, the largest margin ever in a Top 14 semi-final
