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Connacht bow out of Champions Cup after home defeat to Toulouse

Connacht bowed out of the Heineken Champions Cup at the hands of Toulouse earlier this afternoon ...



Connacht bowed out of the Heineken Champions Cup at the hands of Toulouse earlier this afternoon going down 7-21 at The Sportsground. 

Andy Friend's side opened the game on the front foot but couldn't keep the intensity after opening the scoring on the 11-minute mark.

Toulouse conceded three penalties on-the-bounce inside their own '22. Jack Carty opted to kick for touch on all three occasions.

The third maul attempt off the rear of a lineout resulted in Toulouse pulling it down and the referee awarding a penalty try. Joe Tekori was subsequently sent to the sin bin for the offence.

Toulouse showed their resolve after going behind and the French outfit stormed back with Jerome Kaino going over from close range. The TMO decided to award a try despite the suspicion of a double movement.

Just before half-time Toulouse added their second after Julien Marchand plowed over from a rolling maul to put the four-time European Cup winners 14-7 ahead at the break.

The second-half started off horribly from Jack Carty and Connacht as the out-half had a touch attempt charged down by Dupont. Pita Akhi touched the ball down to take the French side 14 points clear.

Connacht desperately tried to gain momentum but couldn't pierce the French side's line.

Toulouse ended the game with 13 men after Yoann Huget picked up Tiernan O’Halloran and appeared to released him in the air not on to his head.

Two minutes later Zack Holmes hit high again on Tiernan O'Halloran which resulted in him being shown a red card after consultation from the TMO.

Friend's side's European Champions Cup campaign is over with one game remaining in 'Pool 5' as Stade Toulouse are still in the hunt for a fifth title securing qualification in Galway.

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Connacht Heineken Cup Rugby Toulouse Vodafone Ireland