Heartbreak for Connacht at Toulouse

Connacht are out of the European Champions Cup after they fell to Toulouse 19-10 in a battling encounter at Stade Ernest Wallon.

The Irish province knew what they needed to do to secure qualification for the knockout stages but their plans were in danger of being blown apart by a brilliant start from their hosts.

Driven on by a powerful scrum, the four-time European champions got the first try of the game after just five minutes, Gael Fickou falling over the line after repeated drives had left the Connacht defence battered and exposed.

Jean-Marc Doussain added the extras and he was required to slot over a second conversion after Arthur Bonneval had finished off an exciting break for the home side.

Craig Ronaldson knocked over a penalty for Pat Lam's side's only points of the first period and when Doussain crossed for the Top 14 outfit's third try, Connacht were in serious trouble.

However, the Westerners responded with typical fight and no little skill and captain John Muldoon crossed to bring them back into the contest.

Ronaldson's conversion - and news from Italy were Wasps were coming from behind to earn a bonus-point win - meant a penalty or drop goal would give Connacht the losing bonus point that would see them progress at the expense of their opponents.

But despite having long periods in Toulouse territory towards the end, Connacht didn't throw for the drop goal and couldn't punch enough holes in a strong opposition defence.

The final whistle brought heart break for Connacht; Toulouse meanwhile will travel to Thomond Park to take on Munster in the last eight.

Photo: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson

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