'Cataclysm, nightmarish': How the French press reacted to Glasgow Warriors beating Toulouse

Glasgow Warriors’ stunning comeback win over Toulouse in the Investec Champions Cup provoked a strong reaction in the French media, with one outlet calling it a “cataclysm”.

The six-time European champions led 21-0 at half-time at a wet and windy Scotstoun, using the elements to their advantage. But that all changed after the break when Glasgow, aided by the wind behind them, scored four converted tries to win 28-21.

It was the first time they had beaten Toulouse at home and moved them four points clear at the top of Pool 1 at the halfway point of the group stage.

Toulouse players react at the final whistle after losing in the European Champions Cup to Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium. | AFP via Getty Images

“Cataclysm for Toulouse who lose and suffer a major setback in Scotland” was the headline in Midi Olympique, the respected French rugby newspaper.

“After a nightmarish second half in which they conceded 28 points without scoring any, Toulouse lost 28-21 to Glasgow. This defeat makes the Red and Blacks' task in the Champions Cup much more difficult,” reported the paper which accused Ugo Mola’s side of “collapsing” after the interval amid “typical Scottish weather conditions”.

“This unexpected defeat for Toulouse, especially after a near-perfect first 40 minutes, will cause resentment in Haute-Garonne,” it continued. “Congratulations to the Warriors, who certainly lived up to their name in the second half.”

Praise for George Horne

The report noted how seriously Toulouse take the Champions Cup which was reflected in their team selection which included a return for Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack at nine and ten. Dupont, making his first start in nine months after a serious knee injury, scored the game’s opening try

But it was George Horne, the replacement scrum-half for the home side, who earned the respect of Midi Olympique

“The wind plays a crucial role in team sports played on large outdoor fields,” noted the paper. “It could single-handedly explain the result of the match between Toulouse and Glasgow. But that would be too simplistic for both sides. The Warriors delivered a phenomenal second-half performance, spearheaded by their scrum-half, George Horne, who came on after the break.”

Antoine Dupont of Toulouse scores his team's opening try against Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun. | Getty Images

L’Equipe accused Toulouse of “collapsing in Glasgow in the Champions Cup after leading 21-0”. “Toulouse ultimately crumbled in the rain and wind of Glasgow,” it said. “Ugo Mola was right to fear this perilous trip to Scotstoun Stadium.”

‘The fall was brutal’

The famous French sports daily said “the fall was brutal” in the second half as Glasgow scored 28 unanswered points and also paid tribute to Horne, who came on for Ollie Smith, with Jamie Dobie moving out to the wing.

Referring to the swing in fortunes which saw the game slip away from Toulouse, L’Equipe said: “They were starved of possession (27% and 36% territory). A true nightmare that will leave a bitter taste in their mouths…”

In a separate article, head coach Mola is quoted as saying that Toulouse’s replacements had less of an impact. “The impression is that our substitutes didn't contribute what they were capable of contributing,” he said.

Mola added: “We missed a lot of opportunities in the first half, while Glasgow were very dominant in the second half. The disallowed try in the last minute of the first half cost us dearly, considering the final score. After that, up until the 50th minute, we were really in the game; we sensed they were hesitating. We even had that chance at 21-7 when Antoine (Dupont) and Blair (Kinghorn) hesitated, and ultimately we lost possession at the ensuing ruck. We also lost quite a few balls in the contact areas, and our bench didn't provide what we wanted, particularly in terms of power and movement at the end—that's obvious.”

Toulouse are on six points in Pool 1, tied with Saracens and Sale. Their final two group games are against the two English sides in January.

“We'll have to win the next two matches to stay in contention,” said Mola. “But Glasgow now holds all the cards to finish top of the pool. It's a setback.”