Toulouse secured a 45-29 victory over Montpellier this Saturday, March 28th, in the 20th round of the Top 14 season. However, the win laid bare ongoing inconsistencies for the “rouge et noir,” particularly in their ability to capitalize on momentum. The team struggled to maintain possession and control immediately following scoring plays, a pattern that invited repeated pressure from Montpellier and highlighted vulnerabilities in their game plan.
Coaches often emphasize that addressing one weakness can inadvertently expose another. While Toulouse showed improvement in converting opportunities – evidenced by the 45 points scored, despite four of their six tries originating from deep within their own territory – they found themselves repeatedly under duress when attempting to exit their own half. This issue, according to those on the pitch, wasn’t a matter of individual errors, but a breakdown in collective execution.
A Collective Disconnect
“We lacked precision and control, especially after scoring. We conceded points too often following poor exits from our own territory,” admitted Jean Bouilhou, Toulouse’s forwards coach, following the match. He pointed to Montpellier’s ability to consistently turn Toulouse’s kicks into attacking opportunities throughout the first half. La Dépêche reported that Bouilhou and the staff were not entirely satisfied with the performance despite the win.
Bouilhou elaborated, stating, “It’s a problem of collective connection. Our training session on Wednesday mirrored some of the issues we saw in the match, with a slight lack of energy. That collective play that is our strength was missing, and it was very apparent in those phases of exiting our own half.” The team’s inability to string together cohesive sequences after scoring proved costly, allowing Montpellier to stay within striking distance for much of the contest.
The issues began early. Coly set the tone with an early penalty (2nd minute), but the subsequent kick-off led to Jelonch being isolated and losing possession, giving Montpellier immediate territory. This pattern repeated after Thomas Ramos’s try (6th minute), with a failed attempt to launch from their 22 resulting in Kinghorn being forced into touch, setting up Thomas Vincent for a try (9th minute). The ability to secure possession and gain ground after scoring proved elusive.
When Graou’s try briefly set Toulouse back in the lead (13th minute), head coach Ugo Mola intervened, signaling a clear directive to prioritize territorial gain. However, even this strategy backfired. A failed attempt to clear the ball from their own half gifted Montpellier a sustained period of attack, ultimately culminating in another try for Vincent (17th minute). The team’s struggles to consistently execute basic exit strategies were a recurring theme.
“I don’t know if it was visible, but there was a swirling wind,” explained Toulouse scrum-half Antoine Graou. “It was demanding to manage the ball. I think our receiving block was deceived by the wind. We dropped a couple of balls, and then we couldn’t uncover a couple of touch. And we paid the price for it.”
Further compounding the issue, an attempted clearance from a ruck in the 26th minute resulted in an knock-on, and a subsequent failure to secure possession after Costes’ try allowed Montpellier to close the gap before halftime (15-31, 39th minute). These small errors, Bouilhou and the staff acknowledged, are details that must be addressed quickly given the demanding schedule ahead.
Individual Brilliance Amidst Collective Struggles
Despite the team’s struggles with exits, individual moments of brilliance shone through. Léo Banos, in particular, was highlighted for a remarkable assist in the build-up to Toulouse’s first try. Video footage shows Banos’s inventive playmaking, setting up a scoring opportunity that Ramos ultimately converted. Ramos himself also demonstrated his skill, as highlighted in an interview with La Dépêche, where Banos described his instinctive pass to Ramos as “something that just came to me.”
However, these individual contributions weren’t enough to fully mask the underlying issues. Paul Graou acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “In my opinion, we’re going to put the fight back into it at training,” according to La Dépêche, signaling a commitment to addressing the team’s shortcomings on the practice field.
Adding to the team’s concerns, several players – Meafou, Willis, and Marchand – are reportedly nursing injuries. La Dépêche reports that their conditions are being monitored, potentially further complicating Toulouse’s preparations for upcoming matches.
Despite the victory, the coaching staff remains cautious. Bouilhou described the performance as “just sufficient” and acknowledged that the team needs to elevate its game to compete at the highest level, particularly as they appear towards European competition. The team’s ability to consistently execute under pressure, especially in the crucial moments following scoring plays, will be a key focus in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, Toulouse will need to address these issues swiftly. The Top 14 season is fiercely competitive, and consistent execution is paramount. The team’s next challenge will be a test of their ability to translate training ground improvements into tangible results on the pitch. The focus will undoubtedly be on refining their exit strategies and fostering a greater sense of collective cohesion.
What are your thoughts on Toulouse’s performance? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below.
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