Toulouse triumph in thriller

Reigning champions Stade Toulousain came out on top in a rare place-kick competition after their clash with Munster Rugby at the Aviva Stadium ended in a 24-24 draw.

Munster had led with five minutes to play thanks to tries from Alex Kendellen, Keith Earls and Mike Haley, but scores from Romain Ntamack and Matthis Lebel (2) kept Toulouse in touch, before Thomas Ramos slotted a penalty to draw his side level.

With no further points in 20 minutes of extra time, the game went to place kicks and Ramos, Antoine Dupont (2) and Ntamack earned Toulouse a nail-biting 4-2 win, with misses from Munster’s Ben Healy and Conor Murray proving crucial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9G0Zjb8uAI

Stylish Racing see off Sale

Racing demonstrated their attacking prowess with an impressive 41-22 victory over Sale Sharks at Paris La Defense Arena.

Teddy Thomas, Finn Russell and Juan Imhoff all notched stunning tries for the hosts, with Nolann Le Garrec adding 19 points from the tee.

Sale crossed first through Manu Tuilagi on the stroke of half-time, but they were playing catch-up in the second period, scores from Akker van der Merwe and Ben Curry being insufficient to keep them in contention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuouJyv-IEI

Leinster overcome Leicester

A first-half blitz saw Leinster Rugby grab a 23-14 win at Mattioli Woods Welford Road, with all but three of their points coming before the break.

Josh van der Flier and Robbie Henshaw both went over inside 20 minutes, with Johnny Sexton also kicking two penalties as Leicester were unable to get on the board.

A Chris Ashton try gave the home side a lifeline early in the second half, but Ross Byrne’s penalty extended Leinster’s lead and Nic Dolly’s late score came too late for Steve Borthwick’s men.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxNgHbZ0kpk

La Rochelle battle past Montpellier

16 points from Ihaia West helped Stade Rochelais beat TOP 14 rivals Montpellier Hérault Rugby 31-19 at Stade Marcel Deflandre.

Dany Priso, Victor Vito and Levani Botia dotted down for the hosts as they kept Montpellier at arm’s length for much of the game.

Henry Thomas, Yvan Reilhac and Zach Mercer crossed for the visitors, but West’s four penalties – including three in the final 15 minutes – left them with too much to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4O2XWn3znM

We resume our review of a superb 2021-22 Heineken Champions Cup season with a look at the quarter-finals, which featured one of the most gripping games in the competition’s history.