Toulouse rue ‘The End of the Dream’

FOR French rugby magazine Midi Olympique it was “The End of the Dream”. For L’Equipe it was “Munster – English Style”.

“That fourth star stretched out its arms to them,” said Toulouse paper La Depeche. “But alas they were just too short.”

For some French fans Toulouse lost because the other side “wouldn’t play proper rugby”, and because of a Welsh referee who didn’t speak their language and was familiar with Munster’s style of play.

But all the French commentators were agreed that in the end Munster came out on top for three predictable reasons: heroic defence, power in the pack, and scoring when they were on top.

It had all seemed different at the start: “They promised us hell… and Toulouse weren’t disappointed,” wrote Aymeric Marchal, a rugby writer for L’Equipe.

“There was almost more red in the stadium then when Wales won the Six Nations. The atmosphere was indescribable… But the Reds on the pitch intended to cool the fires of the Reds in the stands.

“Far from being the predicted trench warfare, we were seeing an exciting and spectacular encounter, because the Irish too had decided to have a go, as if to give evidence of their new approach to the game.

“It was a breathtaking final, but once again Toulouse couldn’t take advantage of their ascendancy, symbolised by Elissalde’s poor choice of kicking when there were players free outside him.

“You pay in cash for mistakes like that in a European Cup Final, especially when you are up against a machine like Munster.’’

Rugbyrama – the website of Midi Olympique – also used the word machine to describe the Munster side.

“A machine that has little spectacular about it but is terribly effective. Ten points in 10 minutes. Nothing inspired, but enough to reward the work of a pack of forwards always so expert at thankless tasks.”

“Details, details – it’s all about details,” concluded Aymeric Marchal, echoing the words of Toulouse coach Guy Novès.

“When a team expires just three points short, the margin between victors and vanquished is wafer-thin, and the sense of frustration is all the greater.”

“Stade came up against Munster team whose game was very stereotyped, but which also proved itself to be more effective,” added Rugbyrama. “Beaten 16-13, the men of Toulouse will be chewing over a lot of regrets.”