The China Mail - Toulouse fall to first home defeat for a year

Toulouse still have a 12-point cushion over their closest challengers Pau at the top of the table, but this result showed coach Ugo Mola and his staff have work to do before the end of the season.

"It's a bit more than just a reminder. We'll take the time to analyse this in order to come back with a different mindset," Mola said.

Clermont, on the other hand, climbed to fifth place with 61 points, cementing their status as serious contenders for a playoff spot.

Toulouse had not lost at home since May 17, 2025, but perhaps it was the the sight of France superstar Antoine Dupont on the bench or their unfamiliar beige jerseys -- matching those worn by the city's football team the same weekend -- that upset the league leaders.

They began smoothly enough as Teddy Thomas crossed the try line after just 42 seconds, superbly set up by Romain Ntamack.

The prospect of a one-sided match grew when Emmanuel Meafou powered over in the ninth minute, and then Paul Graou, in his 100th appearance for Toulouse, made it 21–0 after just 10 minutes.

But Toulouse lost their grip on the game.

Second-rower Marcos Kremer picked up an orange card and a 20-minute suspension and Harry Plummer was shown a yellow -- both for head contact with Kalvin Gourgues -- allowing Clermont to work their way back into the match, relying on solid set pieces and Toulouse’s many errors.

Leon Darricarrere got Clermont back on track before captain Baptiste Jauneau brought his team within seven points in the 31st minute.

After the break, prop Giga Tutisani helped Clermont close the gap to just three points and their iron defence, combined with Toulouse's indiscipline, then turned the match on its head, with New Zealand kicker Harry Plummer kicking two penalties to give his side the lead.

Clumsy and lacking inspiration, Toulouse squandered chances in the opposition 22 and ultimately had to concede defeat.

W.Cheng--ThChM