Willis: I'm loving my life with Toulouse

WHILE some sides would consider the tag of defending champions as a target on their backs, it appears Toulouse see it more as a badge of honour having started their European campaign in ominous fashion.

- MARK STEVENS

Having blown Ulster away 61-21 in their seasonal opener, the Frenchmen were even more deadly in their latest assignment, downing Exeter Chiefs 64-24 with a clinical display of marksmanship at Sandy Park last Sunday.

In Antoine Dupont, the six-time winners possess the modern game’s most lethal sniper. Again, he was bulletproof in Devon, claiming the first of their ten tries in a performance that will have certainly made Europe’s elite sit up and take notice.

Dupont, however, is just one element of their formidable attacking arsenal. Behind him – or even in front of him – there are multiple threats, all of whom can cause serious harm to rival opponents.

It’s little wonder, therefore, that Englishman Jack Willis is loving his role across the English Channel, having helped Toulouse last season claim both the Top 14 title, as well as the Champions Cup crown.

With such success, though, comes mounting pressure and the 27-year-old is well aware that threats lie in wait for him and his team-mates this season.