Reality bites for threadbare Leinster

IT was billed as a meeting between two of Europe’s heavyweights but some pugilists pack a harder punch than others and that was true down by the banks of the River Garonne on Saturday.

It is a painful but unavoidable fact of life that, for all Irish rugby’s recent advances and success, the likes of Toulouse are still in a different league in terms of finance and strength in depth.

Having turned the screw with an hour or so of wincing physicality, Toulouse had the luxury of summoning fresh grinders like Jean-Baptiste Poux and Louis Picamoles.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited