Toulouse lose Top 14 thriller despite Dupont return

English Woman's Journal - Toulouse lose Top 14 thriller despite Dupont return

SPORTS 24.03.2024

Toulouse lose Top 14 thriller despite Dupont return / Photo: ROMAIN PERROCHEAU - AFP

Toulouse welcomed back star scrum-half Antoine Dupont on Sunday but the French champions still slipped to a roller-coaster 31-28 defeat to Bordeaux in the Top 14.

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Dupont, fresh from his foray into Sevens rugby ahead of the Paris Olympics, started on the bench but was summoned into action after just five minutes when fly-half Thomas Ramos picked up a rib injury.

However, the 27-year-old was helpless as Toulouse trailed 24-7 at the interval.

They hit back to lead 28-24 before Bordeaux flanker Pierre Bochaton grabbed his team's fifth try of the night 10 minutes from time to secure victory.

Bordeaux's other tries all came in the opening period through centre Yoram Moefana, No.8 Tevita Tatafu, winger Damian Penaud and full-back Romain Buros.

English flanker Jack Willis, New Zealand centre Pita Ahki and a double from winger Matthis Lebel in three second-half minutes were Toulouse's try scorers.

Despite the loss, Toulouse remain second in the Top 14 table, three points behind Stade Francais while Bordeaux are up to third.

T.Wright--EWJ

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English Woman's Journal - Toulouse lose Top 14 thriller despite Dupont return