Defending Heineken Cup champions Leinster were beaten 26-16 by Toulouse yesterday, in the first of the semi finals this weekend. David Skrela scored 21 points as they stormed into the final in front of their home crowd at Stadium Municipal.
The French flyhalf scored a try, two conversions and four penalties, with centre Yannick Jauzion scoring the other try as they outplayed and outscrummed the Irish side, who managed to score a consolation try through Jamie Heaslip with 15 minutes left.
"This win exceeds all our expectations. We have been through a difficult season and now we are offering to the people who supported us all the way a final in France," said Toulouse coach Guy Noves.
"It's pure bliss because to reach that point means you have done a lot of work and a good job for months and even years. It's a fantastic reward," he added.
Skrela, named as Man of the Match after his commanding performance, is hoping for more success come final time.
"I'm very proud of this team. Now we have the final to play in France. We deserve to be in the final. I have played in two and lost both of them. I hope it'll be better this time," he said.
They will face the winners of the other semi final which takes place today between Biarritz and Munster in San Sabestien. The final will be at Stade de France on May 22.
Time:
05:00
0 Comments