Toulouse 64-26 Exeter Chiefs: Jack Willis and Blair Kinghorn impress as Toulouse progress to semi-finals of Champions Cup

For nearly 50 minutes, Exeter took the combat to probably the most profitable membership within the historical past of European competitors, earlier than Toulouse buried them beneath an avalanche, led by their stellar British imports.

Former England flanker Jack Willis and Scotland full again Blair Kinghorn had a colossal affect on this quarter-final, which went from being a good tussle to develop into a obvious mismatch within the house of 10 second-half minutes.

Willis scored a thunderous attempt to rampaged repeatedly by way of the Chiefs’ defence, whereas Kinghorn touched down twice and ended with 23 factors — kicking 5 conversions and a penalty.

Afterwards, Willis was requested the way it feels to listen to a French crowd chanting his title and mentioned: ‘It means quite a bit. Hopefully which means I’m successful them over.’

He definitely is. They adore the grasp poacher’s combative high quality and he’s proving he belongs amongst their superstars after a sudden relocation following the collapse of his beloved Wasps.

Jack Willis made a major influence as Toulouse beat Exeter within the Champions Cup

Blair Kinghorn was additionally massively spectacular for Toulouse as they reached the quarter-finals

Exeter Chiefs’ Zack Wimbush is left dejected following his aspect’s defeat in opposition to Toulouse

Willis could also be unable to play for England whereas he’s incomes a dwelling right here, however there are important compensations — and never simply monetary ones.

He’s a part of a particular group and added: ‘I completely adore it. The fervour out right here is unimaginable. I need to compete for trophies on the finish of the season. That’s what I really like about this place.’

Till the break, Rob Baxter’s gallant younger Exeter group hinted at one other shock this aspect of the Channel, simply as they did within the pool stage, after they went to the Cote d’Azur and surprised the as soon as formidable Toulon.

England flanker Ethan Roots’ attempt put them forward and the guests had been aggressive as they scrapped and spoiled. Captain Dafydd Jenkins led the resistance with towering authority.

However after a Henry Slade penalty early within the second half, the lights went out on Exeter. They had been torn to items by ruthless opponents hell-bent on claiming their sixth European Cup.

Toulouse, backed by fervent assist, are a fearsome multi-national drive and ended this match as a contest between the forty eighth and 58th minutes, with 4 tries and 28 unanswered factors.

It was dazzling to behold. Below the fierce solar, they performed champagne rugby. This was the essence of French aptitude, with flavours from a number of different international locations.

First, Kinghorn struck after Romain Ntamack had gone by way of a niche within the Exeter 22. Subsequent, from an attacking lineout, Matthis Lebel stormed clear and launched Pita Ahki to romp to the road.

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso of Exeter Chiefs is downcast following the loss to Toulouse

Ethan Roots’ attempt had put Exeter Chiefs within the lead however they nonetheless ended up struggling a defeat

Toulouse captain Antoine Dupont is jubilant after the sport following his aspect’s victory

Toulouse then conjured a show-stopper attempt with Paul Costes and Juan Cruz Mallia combining to ship Kinghorn over once more. Simply earlier than the hour, Willis led a break-out which yielded a attempt for Antoine Dupont. That was it; sport, set and match. Exeter had been out of it, in a flash.

There was an act of defiance when Zack Wimbush scored on the different finish however the procession went on with additional Toulouse tries for Mallia — twice — and Ahki once more. Their high-tempo off-loading sport proved unimaginable to comprise and their depth of firepower was summed up when France stalwarts Thomas Ramos, Julien Marchand and Thibaud Flament had been deployed from the bench.

Harlequins’ prize for upsetting Bordeaux is the prospect to return and take a shot at this outstanding assortment of Galacticos within the semi-finals on Could 5. Exeter will lick their wounds and attempt to regroup for a final push to safe a spot within the Premiership play-offs. They’ll be taught from this brutal expertise.

‘I simply don’t suppose we may maintain it collectively for for much longer than we did till half-time,’ mentioned Baxter, the Devon membership’s director of rugby. ‘As soon as Toulouse bought into that off-loading sport it was simply attempt, attempt, attempt, attempt. We had been chasing shadows then. Now, we now have to roll our sleeves up and stay up for the Premiership once more. We’re solely a few wins away from getting proper within the high 4 combine.’