Owen Doyle: Antoine Dupont makes the crucial difference for Toulouse but for Leinster losing three consecutive Champions Cup finals is the stuff of sporting nightmares
Owen Doyle: Extra-time yellow card for James Lowe was a huge call – and a harsh oneLike father, like son: Brennan and Ntamack emulate their fathers by winning Champions Cup
Earlier on, Lowe thought he’d nailed a try but Carley ruled it out for an earlier knock-on. But was it that, or did the ball come off Will Connors’ foot? It was very hard to say, but it would have been a lot smarter to allow the score, then review it. It’ll be studied in depth by Leo Cullen before he raises, with EPCR, what might be a very awkward question.
The match had its ugly moment too, a Richie Arnold clearout rattling the brain of Cian Healy. Carley calmly analysed the replay, and out came the inevitable red card. Otherwise, the tackling was as hard as hell but significantly lower than the dangerous high stuff we often watch – it shows what can be done.
Toulouse coach Ugo Mola was also involved, shouting instructions from the technical area. In days of yore, coaches were forbidden from being pitchside and the governing body must decide what it wants here. One day there’ll be a confrontation which will end in tears. We’ve seen it in other sports and rugby can well do without it.
The Challenge Cup final was a complete mismatch. The power unleashed by the Sharks was frightening and Gloucester couldn’t cope. Indeed, would any European team have survived the onslaught? The result qualifies Sharks for next year’s Champions Cup. There are interesting times ahead as the South African teams attempt the domination of Europe.
Leinster-Rugby Champions-Cup Toulouse Antoine-Dupont
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