Toulouse too strong as underpowered Sharks falter

FRENCH giants Toulouse had too much firepower for a relatively inexperienced Sharks side, winning their first-round Investec Champions Cup clash at Stade Ernest-Wallon 56-19 on Sunday, but the visitors never wilted in the face of the onslaught.

- ROWAN CALLAGHAN

The six-time champions, loaded with international stars, scored eight tries and coped comfortably with the late withdrawal of French international flyhalf Romain Ntamak against a Sharks side led by No 8 Nick Hatton but missing several of their Springbok big guns.

The Durban side showed a willingness to run the ball early on, but a cross-kick in the third minute led to the opening score for Ange Capuozzo, which flyhalf Thomas Ramos converted. The Sharks responded well to the early setback, building multiple phases, with lock JJ Scheepers particularly strong in the carry.

A great kick chase by winger Yaw Penxe earned them a penalty, but Toulouse stole the ball off the resultant lineout. The home side were a constant menace on attack, especially down the wide channels, and began to dominate the breakdown while exploiting spaces behind the Sharks’ rush defence.