French surprise at ease of victory

THEY say a picture speaks a thousand words but the single word accompanying Jonny Wilkinson on the front of Midi Olympique said it all about the French reaction to Toulon’s victory over Munster: “Historique!”

Whilst it would be a bit of an overstatement to stay that Toulon’s win over Munster was greeted with profound shock here in France, the manner in which Tony McGahan’s men capitulated certainly seemed to be greeted with a kind of collective disbelief by commentators and fans alike.

Midi Olympique editor Jacques Verdier saluted the Top 14 side for their achievement but also chose to question Munster’s tactics.