Kolbe magic helps Toulouse cruise past Ulster
EUROPEAN CUP REPORT: World Cup-winning Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe scored two tries as Toulouse cruised past Ulster in Toulouse on Sunday.
Kolbe put on display his full array of magic tricks, to score in the second and 36th minutes of a match Toulouse went on to win at a canter - 36-8.
The South African international was at his brilliant best in the first half, dotting down twice before further tries in the second period from scrumhalf Antoine Dupont, centre Pita Ahki and fullback Thomas Ramos ensured Toulouse's spot in the last four of Europe's elite club competition.
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Toulouse got off to a quick start inside four minutes as Romain Ntamack and Dupont combined before the latter played a wonderful pass out to the right wing and found Kolbe who stepped past Jacob Stockdale in trademark fashion before diving over the line.
The two sides then traded successful penalty kicks from fullback Ramos and scrum-half John Cooney with Toulouse dominating proceedings but unable to convert the territory and possession into points.
However, just before the interval, Toulouse dealt what felt like a telling blow.
They were stuttering in attack before Sofiane Guitone found Peato Mauvaka in space and he picked out Kolbe who sold Stockdale again with another sumptuous step before sprinting clear and scoring at the posts.
It would be more Toulouse dominance after the break as Guitone again powered through the Ulster line, seeing off two defenders before having time to pull up his shorts and exploit the extra man by finding Dupont who raced clear and dived over the try line at the posts.
Centre Ahki then got on the scoresheet after Huget released him down the left wing before the New Zealander played a lovely chip in behind and managed to collect his own kick and dived over the try line.
Ulster's Cooney did manage to grab a late consolation for the visitors but not before Guitone again picked the gap through the middle of the Irish province's line and handed off to Ramos who could dot down for the easiest of tries and subsequently convert his own score.
Toulouse will face either Exeter Chiefs or Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup semifinal next Saturday.
The scorers
For Toulouse
Tries: Kolbe 2, Dupont, Ahki, Ramos
Cons: Ramos 4
Pen: Ramos
For Ulster
Try: Cooney
Pen: Cooney
Teams
Toulouse: 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Yoann Huget, 13 Sofiane Guitoune, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Antoine Dupont, 8 Selevasio Tolofua, 7 Francois Cros, 6 Jerome Kaino (captain), 5 Joe Tekori, 4 Rory Arnold, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 1 Cyril Baille.
Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Rodrigue Neti, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Emmanuel Meafou, 20 Alban Placines, 21 Zack Holmes, 22 Alexi Bales, 23 Matthis Lebel.
Ulster: 15 Michael Lowry, 14 Rob Lyttle, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 John Cooney, 8 Nick Timoney, 7 Jordi Murphy, 6 Sean Reidy, 5 Iain Henderson (captain), 4 Alan O'Connor, 3 Tom O'Toole, 2 Rob Herring, 1 Jack McGrath.
Replacements: 16 John Andrew, 17 Eric O'Sullivan, 18 Marty Moore, 19 Sam Carter, 20 Kieran Treadwell, 21 Alby Mathewson, 22 Matt Faddes, 23 Matt Rea.
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Assistant referees: Alexandre Ruiz (France), Thomas Charabas (France)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
Source: @ChampionsCup