Toulouse stumbles after seven straight wins against Pau

The match proved a valuable learning experience for the team’s younger players, despite the difficult circumstances.

Toulouse initially struggled, conceding two tries within the first fifteen minutes. Pau opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a series of powerful runs through the center, finished by Argentinian Isa (7-0). Shortly after, another attack through the center resulted in a try for Manu, compounded by a yellow card for Roumat. Pau’s strategy of short passing, influenced by a slippery ball, proved effective, exploiting weaknesses in Toulouse’s defense.

Toulouse struggled to gain ground against Pau’s aggressive defense, further hampered by the inconsistent kicking of international Blair Kinghorn and three lost lineouts.

After thirty minutes of play, Toulouse trailed by 17 points.

Fortunately, Toulouse’s scrum proved a reliable asset, and Pau’s repeated infringements, resulting in two yellow cards for Montoya and Gorgadze, provided some relief.

Just as Toulouse began to control possession, they squandered two scoring opportunities before finally crossing the line just before halftime, with Kinghorn initiating the attack and passing to Lacombre.

At halftime, the score stood at 17-7, offering a glimmer of hope for Toulouse.

The second half started promisingly, with Lukas Amati scoring his first Top 14 try on a counter-attacking kick. Toulouse narrowed the gap to three points (17-14).

However, Pau regained control of the duels and Isa scored again, extending their lead to ten points (24-14). The match remained disjointed throughout the second half, with Pau adding another try to increase their lead to thirteen points.

The final Pau try further widened the scoreline, despite Toulouse showing signs of a potential comeback.