TOULOUSE BEAT 14-MAN LA ROCHELLE TO LIFT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP

Toulouse won the European Champions Cup for a record fifth time after a narrow victory over 14-man La Rochelle in front of 10,000 fans at Twickenham. La Rochelle's Levani Botia was sent off for a dangerous tackle after 30 minutes but his side led 12-9 after the first half.


Toulouse went ahead with Juan Cruz Mallia's try after the hour mark. The try and a fifth penalty by Romain Ntamack looked to have given Toulouse a comfortable win over their tiring opponents, but first-time finalists La Rochelle fought back bravely. Tawera Kerr-Barlow got a late try for La Rochelle but Toulouse held on.

La Rochelle could have won the match if Ihaia West did not hit the post from a penalty and a conversion kick. The win gave Toulouse their first victory in the competition since 2010, making them the first French side to win the title since Toulon six years ago. Skipper Antoine Dupont was named European player of the year for his role in the team's success.

RUGBY ASIA ONLINE MAGAZINE


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