European Champions Cup: Toulouse 19-10 Connacht

Toulouse centre Yann David tackles Connacht's Tiernan O'Halloran at the Stade Ernest Wallon

Connacht missed out on a first European Champions Cup quarter-final after this dramatic defeat by Toulouse.

A win would have ensured Connacht's progress but Toulouse go through along with pool winner Wasps.

Tries from Gael Fickou, Arthur Bonneval and Joe Tekori helped a dominant Toulouse to a commanding 19-3 lead.

Connacht fought back and John Muldoon's converted try left the visitors just short of a losing bonus point which would have also taken them through.

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The Irish side started the day top of Pool 2 but second-placed Wasps, as expected, picked up a bonus-point win over Zebre.

That left Connacht needing a win while a losing bonus point would be enough if Toulouse did not earn a winning bonus point.

Strong start from Toulouse

It looked bleak for Pat Lam's team midway through the first half as Toulouse powered their way to a 14-0 advantage at the Stade Ernest Wallon.

Fickou touched down after sustained pressure before Bonneval burst down the line to score a second converted try for the hosts.

Craig Ronaldson's penalty put Connacht on the scoreboard but lock Quinn Roux was shown a yellow card for a deliberate foul four minutes before the break.

Jean-Marc Doussain missed the resulting penalty as Toulouse went in 14-3 ahead at half-time.

Toulouse extended their lead to 16 points when Tekori rumbled over for an unconverted try seven minutes into the second half.

Connacht comeback

Connacht showed their resilience and determination with a fightback which came close to clinching a place in the last eight.

Skipper Muldoon charged over on 54 minutes and Ronaldson added the extras to leave Connacht within a penalty of securing a losing bonus point.

Connacht were now the team with the momentum but their attacks were thwarted by infringements, poor handling and excellent Toulouse defending.

Toulouse survived to make the quarter-finals while Connacht ended their campaign in third place.

Toulouse: Huget, Bonneval, David, Fickou, Perez, Doussain, Bezy, Baille, C. Tolofua, Johnston, R. Gray, Maestri, J. Tekori, Dusautoir, Cros.

Replacements: Kakovin for Baille (65), Ghiraldini for C. Tolofua (67), Galan for J. Tekori (67), Faasalele for Cros (70). Not Used: van Dyk, T. Gray, Flood, Palisson.

Connacht: O'Halloran, Adeolokun, Robb, Ronaldson, Healy, Carty, Marmion, Buckley, McCartney, Bealham, Roux, Cannon, Fox-Matamua, Heenan, Muldoon.

Replacements: Poolman for Adeolokun (62), J. Cooney for Marmion (74), Heffernan for McCartney (64), Andress for Bealham (74), O'Brien for Fox-Matamua (62). Not Used: J. Cooney, Dawai, Farrell.

Sin Bin: Roux (36).

Ref: Wayne Barnes (England).