Toulouse deny Exeter in thrilling Champions Cup clash
Henry Slade misses a 40-metre penalty in the red as 14-man Toulouse hold on to secure a dramatic win over Exeter Chiefs.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Toulouse defeat Exeter Chiefs in a frantic Champions Cup pool match in France.
- Zack Wimbush scores a hat-trick for Exeter before Henry Slade misses a crucial late penalty.
- Prop Rodrigue Neti is shown a red card for Toulouse in the first half.
European rugby action delivered high drama in France as Toulouse fought back to defeat Exeter Chiefs in a pulsating pool encounter, overcoming a numerical disadvantage following an early red card.
Exeter got off to a dream start when winger Zack Wimbush, stepping in for the injured Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, crossed for the opening try inside the second minute. However, the six-time tournament champions responded swiftly through Italy's Ange Capuozzo and a penalty try that sent Exeter fullback Sam Harris to the sin-bin.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The match turned dramatically in the 16th minute when Toulouse prop Rodrigue Neti received a red card for a shoulder-to-head tackle on Ross Vintcent. Despite being a man down, a frantic first half ended with Exeter leading 26-24 following an eight-try, two-yellow-card spectacle.
The lead changed hands multiple times after the interval. Toulouse capitalized while Exeter's Ben Hammersley was in the sin-bin. Although Will Butt extended the visitors' lead by blocking Antoine Dupont's clearance, the hosts surged ahead again through a Matias Remue brace and a score from Romain Ntamack.
"Exeter had the chance to force a draw but, with the clock in the red, Henry Slade missed a penalty from about 40 metres out."
BBC Sport
Drama peaked in stoppage time when Exeter won a late penalty. Center Henry Slade stepped up to salvage a draw with the clock in the red, but his attempt from roughly 40 metres drifted just wide, leaving the visitors with only a losing bonus point.
The European Rugby Champions Cup features elite club competition where discipline and squad depth are heavily tested. Toulouse's ability to grind out a victory with 14 men highlights the pedigree of the competition's most successful club, while strict officiating regarding high tackles continues to play a decisive role in modern rugby outcomes.
Source: BBC Sport
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