Top 14 Highlights: Toulouse vs Lyon

Toulouse laid down a marker with a statement 53-21 home thrashing of Lyon to close out round 19 of the French Top 14. It was fast and furious from the get go, with the opening 20 minutes a sea-saw affair as Lyon went over for two tries to one to lead 14-13. There was only one side in it for the remainder of the first half, as Toulouse cut loose with some sublime running rugby to cross for 5 unanswered tries to take an emphatic 46-14 advantage into the break. Lyon applied some early pressure in the second half and were rewarded with a third try to threaten the Toulouse bonus point, but the hosts were not to be denied as they went over for a seventh try with a little over ten minutes remaining to seal the victory and extend their lead atop the French Top14 table to seven points.

 

Top performers:

 

Cheslin Kolbe: Beat multiple defenders with electrifying footwork and pace, always a danger with ball in hand on the counter attack.

 

Sofiane Guitoune: Full of running to cross for three tries to seal a first half hat trick.

 

Pita Ahki: Some strong carries in the midfield and went over for a try. Great footwork to step and break and set up a try.