CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL | THE POST MORTEM

With a day to reflect, some thoughts on one of the greatest club rugby occasions.

[@michelgandilhon6613]

We knew that Toulouse was a great attacking team. Now we know they're a great defensive team. The way they held off Leinster's onslaught for 90 minutes was superhuman. The more time passed, the more I thought the Toulousans would eventually crack, overwhelmed by the Irish waves. But no! I've rarely seen a match played at such an intense level. It's a reminder that a match with zero tries can be as good or even better than the matches we've seen in previous rounds. Well done to both teams, who shoulder to shoulder made this final a legend in this incredible sport.

[@saouzanetcyrille5139]

👍👏👏🫡

[@user-pv5bo6pw5u]

Always impressed when I go to france to see how they love their clubs and how this is a matter of culture and identity. Top 14 is such a beautiful and tuff league.

[@cnoc500]

They do it right, that's for sure. I travel 2, 3 times a year to ProD2 and Nationalé games. Always an enjoyable experience.

[@paulwoolf5481]

Le Coq by Peter Bills is a brilliant insight into club rugby in France

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

Especially in Toulouse, other clubs have strong roots, but Toulouse is in the center of a players growing region, and now have many 2nd generations players.

[@jeromesanta-cruz8967]

This game was a nail biter. The two teams were neck and neck. My heart was beating for Toulouse but, if Leinster had won this final it would have been also deserved. What a game!!!! I held my breath for 100 minutes. Leinster and Toulouse are proper magnificent.

[@chrismoyse3529]

Easily best rugby channel on KZbin. Thanks Tim Toulouse were sensational - any team in the world would have been up against it facing this team. Dupont was on another planet. Willis was magnificent. How many tackles did he make?!?!? Great final.

[@puccaland]

More than 30 tackles. He is a beast. Let's not forget François Cros.

[@rogerdeiss4172]

31 tackles..Willis was simply astonishing…amazing…

[@patrickclaux2684]

Un total de 240 pour l'équipe entière . Enorme

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

As a Toulouse supporter, I found that the English commentators hyped Dupont too much: as soon he touched the ball "that is why he is the best player in the world". Maybe because we are used to see him perform in the Top 14 matches and the few 7 matches he played, we are more selective, while of course believing he is the best, most versatile scrum half ever. Playing at this intensity during 100 minutes, staying clear headed until the end, that is what is worth of admiration. Its well worth watching Willis last interview by two saffas UTubers. Congratulation for his Toulouse born baby!

[@carebear396]

I’m still baffled why Leinster didn’t take the kick at the posts. Toulouse were bullying them at the breakdown and maul. Senior leadership should have seen this and adjust their decisions

[@jeramy576]

Absolutely correct

[@06alepea1]

I think Leinster kept on going to the corner because that’s how they play in the CC group stages/URC. It doesn’t work in those highest pressure moments.

[@eoin8156]

I don’t think that was the issue tbh. On two occasions Leinster went for the corner , got the ball out and had a walk in overlap for tries but their handling / pass selection was shocking and they butchered both. There were a few times when larmour had clear space out wide on the Toulouse 22 and for some reason Leinster decided to pick and go instead and were promptly turned over at the ruck.

[@marcmcdonald48]

Lowe had over run on one occasion​@eoin8156

[@Kenny-zn6dl]

There lies the problem with leinster, absolutely zero senior leadership, Doris is not captain material, turning down 3 points in a very important game backfires, cannot understand how coaches allow that to happen, baffling indeed.

[@smudgersmith2650]

I was there (Saints fan) and it was brilliant, 2 great sides, a host of superb performances and a wonderful atmosphere.

[@aidanmasterson50]

As a Leinster fan, I’m still a bit meah about the result but in the biggest tightest of games I’ve seen in a long time DuPont was just head and shoulder above everyone. He was absolutely next level.

[@pierreteller]

That's 2 great european cup finals in a row. Last year was awesome too. We are lucky

[@knoll9812]

Some of the best games if the last few years are the ones that Irish teams have lost. Observation not making a point

[@denislaouenan5553]

From France, great fairness is what I like, thank you, all points valid, wish I had been there.

[@MU-TH-UR]

As aToulouse supporter, delighted but nervously wrecked, after a suffocating game. First of all my thoughts to Leinster Fans and players. I do feel for them. I'm pretty sure they will make the Final again next year, i do think even today they are the best team in the world, and with Jordi barret in the mix they might be even better. But they have to find the right balance between the Attack oriented game they had previously and the Nienaber defense and somewhat sterile approach of now. Toulouse won thanks to a huge heart and commitment in Defense. You could feel the desire on ST players faces. Add to this the final-wining mentality that this team has and that's it. Delighted for Willis, Mallia and Kinghorn among others. Those players quickly adapted to the team and just found an accomplishment at the highest level. Cheers.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

Congratulations 🎊 👏 from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@neilmontgomery3470]

As a Leinster fan I think your summation of the game is pretty spot on. Our defense is excellent but our attack has declined under Neinaber. I can understand this to some degree. Neinaber only really started the job in January so the focus would have been to get his defensive system ready for the playoffs. This was largely achieved but because of the short time frame the attack was probably neglected a bit. Also because of the World Cup Andrew Goodman didn't have a proper pre-season with the team so that may be a contributing factor as well. I think with a proper pre-season and new players and coaches coming in we should be in a better place next year. I always thought this year was not going to be great from Leinster and I think we actually surpassed my expectations in getting to the final.I congratulate Toulouse. I was at the game and there was no animosity between the two groups of fans just respect and good nature banter. No one likes to lose but if I had to pick a team to lose to it would be Toulouse. Bien joué.

[@user-xj5ks9yj8n]

@@neilmontgomery3470 Her's a tip ...Nienaber is your D_E_F_E_N_C_E coach.. why would you be blaming him for your shit attack? Look at your A_T_T_A_C_K coach.

[@MU-TH-UR]

@@neilmontgomery3470 I Agree with The Neinaber late arrival thing. I'm very curious to see how the team goes on next year with him fully established. I also think you guys really need a proper 10, At this Level Byrne isn't enough. How about Frawley,do you think he has the level to do so?

[@5jacksonsjourney179]

Nienaber needs time to work his winning culture. Next year we will be able to judge his impact properly. The man breeds a winning culture. The belief will come. Leinster also needs a world class fly half.

[@markcrossman3356]

Hey Tim! Another great video. I think there is three things that defined the game for me 1. Toulouse absolutely dominated the breakdown. 2. Leinster backline is missing some game breakers. They need Ringrose and they need a super star flyhalf. 3. DuPont had one of the best games I have ever seen from an individual player.

[@Mr.RB123]

Eggchasers rugby is the best, think all rugby fans love u Tim, nice to see real love for rugby, think i can say we love it in South Africa ❤

[@neillfotheringham211]

The Larmour try saving tackle was 1 of the moments of the game

[@28copland]

Shud have bn a simple pass back inside can't understand why he went himself

[@jmurphy9657]

A great tackle, maybe it was the angle Larmour came in you the tackle but looked like Lebbel could've passed it back inside.

[@gregobroin7738]

Delighted for Larmour, he has been overlooked at international level . Had a great game.

[@adriankingdon5099]

But his defence lasp prob cost them the game in the end

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

@@jmurphy9657 There is frame by frame analysis in French where this was shown. tunnel vision. Still a brilliant tackle, hope Lebel learned something.

[@dsmith3336]

Another great summing up of a great game. Well done. 💚☘️🏉💙

[@timdelaney3190]

This final was a thriller - an epic, thunderous battle and Toulouse edged it. Congratulations to both teams, and this comes from a Munster fan who watched as Ronan O'Gara missed a drop goal in Toulouse in the semi-final in April 2003. Munster had led until the 74th minute thanks to four kicked scores. Michalak got a late try and Toulouse held on when a late O'Gara drop kick went wide. Speaking of kicks. Leinster were knocked out of the URC by Munster last season after not taking available penalty kicked scores. A Crowley drop goal beat them at the death. This season,. Leinster lost at the death to Ulster after turning down a penalty kicked goal for another lineout effort. Leinster did finally try a drop kick, but at the time, I thought they could have gone one more ruck phase to make the kick easier for Frawley. By then Toulouse looked tired and Leinster were getting on top in the collisions in the final minutes. The try that broke this game open was great, but the referee helped make it with a very harsh yellow card on Lowe. However, Leinster's discipline collapsed in the second half of extra time. Toulouse were a man down by then, and at half time in extra time, it was still there for Leinster.

[@bardlock]

Leinster can be proud, they made Toulouse change their playstyle, go hard for turnovers, including Dupont Ntamak. Knowing that Toulouse made the youngsters play last week to give the ace team 2 weeks to prepare physically, and they played 100 minutes, and that was impressive. well played from them. As for Toulouse, Willis was insane, Dupont is Dupont, there weren't a lot of great opportunities to shine as toulouse likes it, and we were beaten on scrum, but the defense man! I'm still shocked of how close the leinster came in the toulouse 22 and not getting any points, that was so impressive.

[@MisterPoppy-sc1sj]

Vive Toulouse, la grande ville de rugby ! 🎉

[@Alornell]

J'ai envie de mettre un j'aime mais je vais laisser le compteur à 31. Fier de vous amis Toulousains ! Un supporter Clermontois

[@matthewrice9891]

First off, congratulations Toulouse that was an epic final; I think everyone's BPM hit 200 in that stadium at some point!! I also thought the referee's were great, the try at the end of the first half was the only 50/50, but it was whatever... Heart broken as a Leinster fan, this game reminded me of the RWC QF against New Zealand, where NZ got ahead early and we were left chasing the game; the lads knew we had to get ahead if we wanted to stand a chance and I think some of them panicked... The whole "not taking the 3 points" thing came from the first final against La Rochelle, where we took 3 points and they'd score a try - the squad has a lot of demons to battle, I'm not sure where the squad goes from here...

[@kevinbyrne5265]

I admire Ross Byrne's total commitment but you are right, he is not the man for the position. Frawley doesn't have his fear, for I think that's what's at the back of his slow responses, he doesn't exude confidence. He is a good player but not top notch enough for the job that he needs to do. You are also right about Sexton in the World cup quarter final, he was knackered, okay hindsight, and I always regret the ball was not recycled when that famous surge over the New Zealand line ended with that famous hand under the ball. Actually when New Zealand kicked off after that it went straight to Dorris who knocked it on inside the twenty two, it was like Ireland were mentally somewhere else for normally Doris would have ploughed into the New Zealand backs again and set up another maul. All hindsight of course. Leinster not taking the points from penalties was depressing to watch especially when their game wasn't sharp enough to convert kicks to the corner into tries as they and Ireland normally did. Toulouse did take the penalties and immediately were up to nine points. But Leinster continued to go to the corner instead of timing when they did it with parity on the scoreboard. They should have won it but they didn't, that's the way it is. Like last year they had a gaping drop goal being on the line of La Rochelle next to the post and didn't go foe a simple drop goal in front of the posts, game won, it's astonishing they didn't do that as Munster had done to them a week before! But this is Leinster and they need to know when to go and when to be pragmatic and they wern't yesterday.

[@seamusryan2320]

The quality difference between the two sets of half backs was the difference. Gibson-park is fine, best he’s competing with the best there’s ever been. But Ross Byrne is just not good enough at this level. Leinsters attack was getting nowhere, because the Toulouse defence knew the didn’t have to watch Byrne so could focus on defending outside him. Leinster need a genuine top class OH to move to next level. If Prendergast doesn’t make the grade soon, they need to look elsewhere. But Byrne must go.

[@john9508]

Great game between two excellent teams with the result going to the correct side on the day. From Leinster point of view I was brought up playing with the old line "Keep the scoreboard ticking over". Ski masks were worn in the changing room afterwards. As for Dupont, I am old enough and fortunate enough to have seen some great players and it is difficult to compare positions etc of so many great players and as the game has changed so much, but his skill set, stamina, decision making and top two inches he is right up there with the very best in the game

[@johnlaurenkaitlynjenniferb6878]

I think the biggest thing I noticed as a Sharks and Springbok supporter was the lack of scoreboard pressure offered Leinster they had lots of penalties in that first 20 minutes and kept going for the try as opposed to putting points up. That was a difference to the prior day, every penalty, the Sharks kicked. Also Touloise did that, they took the points when offered.

[@sirfrancis6058]

Both finals had nothing in common, Gloucester are a considerably worse team than Toulouse

[@johnlaurenkaitlynjenniferb6878]

@sirfrancis6058 I am not referencing the quality of the teams, I am referencing approaches to the game, test match rugby and the Sharks approach was taking every point on offer. Leinster didn't take the points when offered early, they tried and failed for the try numerous times.

[@revenant2979]

Surely a huge advertisement for rugby. In my opinion a much better showpeace and better atmosphere than the FA Cup Final that was on at the same time. The Top14 must be the top league in the world at the moment. Where Super Rugby was in the 2000s and early 10. Congrats to Toulouse⚫️🔴🇫🇷. From 🇿🇦. I really hope one of our teams can make such an amasing occasion.

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

Winners of the Challenge cup take part in the next Champions. I hope the air travel problems for SA teams will be solved next year.

[@user-rl4nd8yn5r]

Love your fairness to all - we need more of this

[@ChaunceyGardner100]

great summary. as a leinster fan who was at that game, Dupont was the deciding factor for me. he was superb, as was Willis and others but Dupont is off the charts brilliant. his turnovers, especially the one from sheehans break, alongside his 50-22s was sublime. A privilege to witness such a great player. gutted we lost but no shame losing to that Toulouse intensity. Won't be surprised to see a rematch between these teams next year in cardiff. what a match that would be?

[@vincentpelisson7560]

Great summary of the match, no self-flagellation, realistic... It was a final worthy of the name, suspense, commitment, two fantastic teams... I'm French, I love France.. Ireland is my second favorite country for rugby. My first international match was a France-Ireland match, I was 8 years old and I remember it like it was yesterday. I'm sure Leinster will have their next star... but no more than Toulouse, okay?

[@eughrologh]

In the 2022 Final that Leinster lost to La Rochelle I seem to remember Leinster kicking all their pens and losing. I wonder if the mindset of kicking to the corner started there?

[@Camcolito]

It's a non-issue, they just had to take some of their many chances and didn't due to fumbling the ball or selecting wrong option.

[@dreamcatchersong]

I think every genuine rugby fan agrees with you, Dupont is the best rugby player in the world and perhaps the GOAT.

[@chucktee8088]

Only in the north people think that 😂😂😂

[@cedricvanrensburg6139]

😂😂😂

[@dreamcatchersong]

@@chucktee8088 fair enough, we all have our pride 😉

[@aiglenoir81]

​@@chucktee8088c'est faux. Même les Black le pensent.

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

​@@cedricvanrensburg6139 suck it up.😂😂😂 you big kid.does it matter?

[@broneobraonain8506]

I was 50/50 about subscribing to you but your enthusiasm and love for the game is just infectious, LOVE the fact you focused on Toulouse winning this final as opposed to Leinster loosing it - spot on analysis

[@daramaccarthy]

A lot of kick at goal comments (agree) but the real issue was once LINE KICK - these kicks were terrible (leaving 15+m), leaving way too much for maul to do…..JS used to do it as well but not tho this degree…..scared shitless of missing touch but this needs to sorted……

[@crusa5]

Brilliant analysis. Great channel

[@dreamcatchersong]

I know it's history now, but I totally agree, Jack Crowley should have been brought on with 15 minutes to go in the WC. Not sure if the result would have been different but I believe it would have been. Maybe, we'll learn from it.

[@JackN13_]

Delusional, wouldn't have made a different

[@Natedawg38]

20 minutes to go, sexton was warped at that stage. What a waste of a replacement.

[@Conorguill]

@@JackN13_ what do you base that on? It was very close and Sexton was out on his feet for quite a while

[@mow3186]

As a Leinster fan I’ve been saying since he came on the scene Ross is URC level not European. Compare him to Crowley, different leagues. Also, you can’t win trophies in the gym. The protection of the ball in tackle is honed on the field, the ball went loose in contact too many times.

[@seanofarrell8896]

Sack cullan

[@jamesredmond7001]

​@@seanofarrell8896Don't sack Cullen, if ye get a good coach the rest of the island is done for XD

[@seanofarrell8896]

@@jamesredmond7001 what else would you say needs to be done because Cullen has failed lots of finals

[@jameskeogh948]

Don't think Crowley hasn't been tested in a game o this magnitude.

[@neilmac6049]

Thank you Tim for pointing out about Leinster fluffing their lines. They didn’t. It was one of the most finely balanced finals ever. It was a classic. The sheer genius of DuPont and the unbelievable defence of Toulouse. I am gutted (as already I said in a previous video) but there is no need for a massive review of Leinster. No need for a rethink. Leinster will come good again. I have no doubt. And what a rivalry we have to look forward to the next time they meet. Fine margins. If the drop goal goes over, just one kick, the whole narrative changes. So happy to have you as my go to pundit. You’re so consistent and reliable and you love the game so much it is a pleasure to listen to you. Keep it up and I will keep recommending you to the rugby aficionados that I know

[@mahasamatman12]

By the same token, if Dupont's foot lands 1 cm to the left in the third minute, Malia's try stands and Toulouse may be out of sight for the rest of the game. In a game where so many actions can change the whole dynamics, it makes little sense to focus on one particular event and to rewrite this tiny bit of the story while leaving the rest unchanged.

[@MisterSkeptic]

Two brilliant teams in an epic battle.

[@eughrologh]

I think that Leinster have not played enough together as a full strength team since the 6 Nations. This is just one of the many small margins that separated the 2 teams in a great final.

[@alankennedy3747]

Agree. And giving some players a 3 week break is not good either. They need to be playing competitively or they lose their edge. I know there's a risk in playing them in lesser games, but it is a necessity.

[@geoffhogan4831]

This was Ireland vs France essentially. And you said it. I think Ireland putting all their eggs in one basket. Munster with a little bit of variation is in my opinion a better team than Leinster.

[@amantedellopera1681]

Absolutely agree,and Leo makes the calls,it’s 3 years in a row,wrapping players in cotton wool,I thought they looked a little rusty,their attack is not the same as when Lancaster was there,Ross Byrne is not an attacking ten,he couldn’t even kick any distance for touch when we had penalties,leaving us on the 22 and trying to maul.we badly need an international ten,and we’ve just sent young prendergast to Connacht,Leo’s continuance of putting out under strength teams as now left us 3rd in urc and facing a possible trip to South Africa for quarter final,sadly as a fan I’ve had enough of Leo’s bad decisions,nothing will change with him in charge

[@amantedellopera1681]

@@geoffhogan4831will you stop,Munster nowhere near Leinster,we didn’t win for sure but 3 finals ,Munster one trophy in 13 years,and no Heineken finals since…….snooze

[@alankennedy3747]

Excellent points you've made.

[@tomf1dublin1]

Tim , thanks , great analysis . Toulouse did their homework . Stop Leinster by going for breakdown and take ball wide quickly to expose the SA/ Leinster defence system - the Toulouse try. Kick you points ( Leinster did same against Ulster only last week and lost the game) ; blunt attack all year - not as fluid as last year . Frawley made a big difference . Need Frawley/ Pendergast at 10 and stick with them . Somehow not as hard to take as last year- season not over yet . Yes , be different next year BUT need to sort 10 . On to Connacht on Friday . My idea of redemption this year is winning URC final in SA or Thomand 😊

[@seanspencer6727]

Prendergast is definitely NOT anywhere near top club level.

[@tomf1dublin1]

@@seanspencer6727 I’m sorry , I disagree . Give him games as Frawley needs also , in URC and see development .

[@jean-michel.a]

Thanks. It was very close. Well done both teams, to all players, public.

[@rlk-jg1by]

It's a sport. It's a game. And whatever the result it was a great and spectacular show. Thanks to both teams to make people love rugby.

[@afikiletokwe9938]

In a final you take your points, scoreboard pressure trumps any other kind. Captaincy and coaching needs to take responsibility.

[@eamonlyons8069]

I think Leinster let it slip. They were great in fighting to get to extra time. However they didnt capitalise on their momentum.

[@farid7838]

Absolutely, Toulouse is the only city (more than 1 million people) in Europe where rugby comes before soccer.

[@ferdigreyling1951]

And it must be said, the value of a great scrum. And how it contributes to the game.

[@patrickcusack8292]

Leinster fan, always check out what you have to say, disappointed with some decisions, Lowe Yellow, but have no complaints, Frawley the width of a post away from glory.

[@AxelDejean1]

Great video once again Tim! The Leinster (& Irish) decision-making to go for the corner vs posts comes back to trying to beat the ABs for the first time in their history and then the series in NZ, i.e. to beat the AB's you have to score tries. They're so well drilled that when they go to the corner, the kick takes them 5 meters out, and then have a well-constructed maul or a tricky set play which most times, would result in a try. Seems they've lost that cutting edge and or teams are figuring them out in this aspect.

[@markwinter7511]

In finals you TAKE your 3 points when offered to you. This comes up over and over and over but some teams never seem to learn. Take the 3 for heavens sake and keep scoreboard pressure.

[@PB22559]

You can only 'take' those 3 pts if the goal kick is successful. There was no guarantee Byrne would've slotted them over. Leinsters key players were rested too long, the same thing happened last year. Poor decision making and not enough cohesion in the pack, aside from at scrumtime is what lost them the game. That and their lack of x factor players in their backline.

[@PaddleWithPaddy]

He only needed to make one out of the several and they would have won. No management in the coaching box and no leadership on the field.

[@PB22559]

@@PaddleWithPaddy Leinster barely fired a shot. Focusing on penalities not taken is beside the point. If the Leinster forwards were good enough they'd have scored from one of those line outs near the Toulouse tryline and no one would be saying Byrne should've gone for goals. Toulouse deserved the win and Leinster didn't

[@PaddleWithPaddy]

@@PB22559 no. The point is they have no leadership. This group of players lose every important match. Champions cup finals, Q/F of the World Cup, the game against England in the 6 nations. The simple fact is against elite opposition, no team is expected to just score off the lineout. You take your point in knockout rugby. No prizes for the amount of tries scored. Leinster's weakness is their arrogance and stupidity. And I agree, Toulouse deserve their win as they place an emphasis on keeping the scoreboard ticking over, like all the great sides.

[@PB22559]

@@PaddleWithPaddy Nonsense. At the world cup, SA went for goal kicks instead of kicking to the corner a few times against Ireland and it backfired on them so no, you're not right. Equally, Ireland won the series in NZ by kicking to touch and subsequently scoring tries instead of taking the 3pts on offer. You don't remember the dying stages of the 3rd test? Ireland were 3 pts up with 12 mins left to play and they kicked to the corner instead of going for goals and it paid off. They went 32-22 up and that was curtains for NZ. Hindsight is great, but the Leinster pack should've been able to capitalise on those attacking LOs they had near the Toulouse try line. The whole team looked rusty which makes sense because they've been sitting on their asses for 3 weeks... their decision making was poor, they were too slow to the breakdown and their backline didnt fire a decent shot because they have no x factor players with top end speed.

[@paulsweeney5642]

Love to see your subs growing. Testament to the great job you are doing.

[@TheRugbySocial]

Great review Tim - what an absolutely classic final 🎉

[@oj4249]

Leinsters defence was immense all season. Credit to Nienaber. But accusing Nienaber of ruining their attack is uncalled for it’s not his job. He was appointed for defense and delivered. Y’all need to hammer the attack coach ffs. Secondly you can’t blame a defense coach if you got beaten with 14 men on the pitch aka James Lowe yellow.

[@neilmontgomery3470]

I don't think he has ruined the attack but considering he has only been in the job 5 months its fair to say the majority of the training has been focussed on changing the way Leinster defend. There is only so much time in each training session and the new guy with the two world cups is going to get most of the attention. People are giving Goodman a hard time but the players really rate him as does Andy Farrell, who is an incredible judge of personnel. He also didn't have a proper pre season with the players last year due to his commitments with Samoa.

[@khyjlfjf]

Leinster perfect defense against Dupont but Dupont defended like god

[@martinmcdonald4207]

To lose to Toulouse after 100 minutes when the drop kick should have won it for Leicester in the 80 minutes. Always the brides maid, never the bride ! Great game and lived up to the expectations. Cheers Tim.

[@operatorhoot470]

(Leinster Fan here) in no particular order... 1) we turned over too much ball from knock ons and at the breakdown. 2) We didn't take points where we could have. 3) We need a better 10 for big games. 4) Toulouse and in particular, Dupont and Willis were magnificent. 5) On the same vein as Ross Byrne in big games, I don't think the ref was good enough for the big stage. His level of consistency was erratic. Overall, on the day, no complaints... a brilliant exciting game and Toulouse deserved their 6th star.

[@Camcolito]

We already have a better 10 but Cullen won't play him. Bizarre.

[@peterroycroft]

Agree with all of the above. Sadly, Ross is not at the level we need for the ambition Leinster has. He can be great when Leinster are on the front foot, but when we are up against the top teams he can't seem to step up. At times yesterday he looked like a rabbit in the headlights - utterly indecisive. Why Leinster have re-signed him and brother Harry (who showed great promise when younger, had had a lot of injury and has not come back strongly) is beyond me. Frawley is a very versatile player and can certainly justify his place at Leinster, but he is not an out-and-out 10. Do Leinster lack a ruthlessness that is required when it comes to succeeding? So gutted to have attended a third final in a row and a third defeat. I mean no ill will to the young men I have criticised above - they are talented players - but this is professional rugby and if Leinster want to be the best in Europe they need to make tough calls when required.

[@mellonienaidoo7326]

Magnificent 80 minutes

[@RogerBiwandu]

You mean 100 minutes.... ;-)

[@joebateson1081]

As a Lunster fan, it was a fair result

[@pityfool23]

I’m an Irish man but surely Farrell has to look to more Munster players. Coombes, hodnet, baron, yager, Haley…Consistently going to hard places and winning. I’m an ulster man but I can’t see why we are continuing to pick players who clearly have mental fragilities in big games. 3 years in a row, 1/4 final defeat - it’s now undeniable

[@Ophelia771]

To add to that, I like Doris and he is a great player but I don't know if he has that edge to be captain (I want him to have it but...) Sexton had it, BOD had it.

[@Nieljoyceniel]

Munsters only trophy in recent history came from cullens stupid tactic of resting players. Farrel doesn’t have bias in selection, there is a reason the Munster players aren’t selected over Leinster as much. The only player who doesn’t perform on the big occasion is Byrne, who doesn’t make international level anyway.

[@pityfool23]

@@Nieljoycenielthey won 8 games away from home last season. In a row. 4 of which in South Africa. Your comment is beyond stupid. They went and won in the hardest places, coming from behind, tough wins, while Leinster players were on a watt bike

[@pityfool23]

@@Ophelia771yea think snyman will help next year but I think the Leinster pack just miss something nasty that they used to have in elson, O’Brien, leavy Brennan etc

[@Conorguill]

Sort of a nonsense point. Leinster’s players have consistently won more big games than Munster over many years (4 of the last 5 URCs). Munster players did not buck trend for IRL v NZ eg POM, Beirne both underperformed

[@uSbusiso_]

the Leinster we know and love

[@Maine733]

Best rugby channel on KZbin. Thanks Tim! Have the Leinster men been overconfident? I thought they caused Toulouse a headache; Dupont and Ntamack were under loads of pressure and the Toulouse attack was sterile. Equally Toulouse were amazing on the breakdown and they have learnt the lessons of the past defeats; maybe that’s it, Leinster didn’t learn from the past and just did what they have done the last 3 years…I don’t know. Kinghorn, Willis and Dupont have been immense. Chocobares I thought was very good as well!

[@Conorguill]

Not fair to say Leinster were overconfident nor that they did the same for the past three years.

[@andreemurray7039]

In a final you take the points I understand why they went for the corner but 3 points is 3 points great game

[@derickbroughall8486]

Leinster were undercooked. Big players, Rested for South Africa. Rested for Ulster. Madness. Leo has to go.

[@kenrehill8775]

Who was rested?

[@neilshrekpurves4521]

Rugby, the best team sport in the world, as long as the old boys at world rugby keep their sticky fingers out of it 🎉

[@Alias-gy3tz]

They won't. They never do.

[@joanlarkin7808]

Said it before the game have said all season Byrne has had so many chances. Doesnt control the game need a 10 to match the other players. Am 82 and hope am here next year to see them try again with a replacement of JS that can do the job. Gutted.

[@eoin8156]

Our attack has been shocking all year. Struggled in multiple urc games and especially vs Leicester (had to be carried by jgp individual brilliance ) and Northampton.

[@uniqueaerialvideoltd2863]

Good work Tim.

[@rjirving]

Great video. Thank you for producing and releasing it. You eloquently summed up Dupont - and it is hard to put it into words. What an honour to watch him play. Also note the spirit he plays it as well. Totally agree re his Sevens experience - there was one jackal in particular that he was on like a shot that I thought was a lot down to his sevens playing. He also looks even fitter now because of it as well.

[@cnoc500]

Cracking game. No quarter given or expected. 2 teams giving 100% during their time on the pitch. Shame there had to be a loser.

[@TurtleFPL]

At the end of the day, Leinster had about 5 opportunities to go for the posts but went to the corner instead. And then failed to score from any of them in the 80. All credit to the Toulouse defence and Dupont in particular. But it's hard not to see it as Leinster missing their chances and not getting it done.

[@eoin8156]

I think the issue was more Leinsters attack and pass selection is terrible without sexton. Two of those kicks for the corner resulted in clear over laps on the Toulouse 22 and terrible handling butchered 2 tries. We saw it in 2022 and 2023 when Byrne simply couldn’t get the attack going and now it’s carried into 2024. Their attack has been shocking all year in both the urc and Europe(in comparison with previous years )

[@brianbarbarich1401]

Agreed, if they had slotted those penalties instead of insisting of going for a try with every penalty in the first half then I think Leinster would of won that game.

[@johnhartnett9810]

Many ,many thanks!

[@kmolony]

Excellent summary Tim. Leinster (and Ireland) need to figure out how to win cup rugby not just league tables.

[@maingopher]

Thanks for the great videos I really enjoy them.

[@zarg64]

Willis and Kinghorn were good to begin with, but by playing with Toulouse they have become an absolute reference. This club improves its players like no other club can! Toulouse were far more realistic than Leinster, who were nonetheless very good, playing when they had to and taking points when they had to. The French have learned that English way.

[@antoinemozart243]

"french have learned that English way".....😅😅😅 Sure, master !

[@zarg64]

@@antoinemozart243 don't you remember the france/ england match or angletere winning with penalties? willkinson alone was a nightmare !

[@clementbatut4053]

You could add cheslin kolbe to the list of players that were good but became superstars playing for Toulouse. Really the rfu's politicy is beyond silly, it's Jack Willis now, it used to be the same with the Armitage brothers in Toulon or Zack Mercer when he played for Montpellier. It doesn't even work keeping english players in premiership because there are still a whole lot of english players coming to top 14. And when you see how Mercer has been treated despite moving back to Gloucester you would understand why Jack Willis chose to stay in Toulouse. But apparently the rfu would rather have south african playing the premiership in an england jersey than english players playing in France. It really doesn't make any sense

[@zarg64]

@@clementbatut4053 Exactly, it's unbelievable on the part of RFU, but so much the better for the TOP14, we don't have a good soccer championship but we have the best in rugby, that's for me! and watch out, if this continues, we'll be playing willis in the French team. 😁

[@clementbatut4053]

@@zarg64 Willis can't play for France he has already been caped by england and would have to have french ancestry to be able to switch. It's sad for him and england but i think France has more than enough excellent back row players, even if Willis is outstanding

[@paulnash5500]

Leinster missed Garry Ringrose, and you're correct about Ross Byrne and their attack has lost its edge. Fair Play Toulouse.

[@wynandvanzyl8798]

My view is the adaption to running rugby, making mistakes in crucial times by trying to play a quick ball. I also think that the yellow card to Lowe was a bit harsh at a critical time

[@JustinMulder1]

For me I was expecting Leinster to defend like South Africa and disrupt the Toulouse backline and force them to make errors, but instead, to me it seemed like Toulouse defended that way and that seemed to cause the lack of accuracy and hesitancy in the Leinster backline. I did think Toulouse wasn't able to keep up that early momentum but the Du Pont factor seemed enough to spark the rest of the team to life. For me as you said the Leinster bench made a big difference as we thought they might and I actually thought Leinster was getting better as the game went on. Not so much as a try scoring threat, but like you said with the kicking, they could have still won this one. In the end a great game for us rugby fans

[@paulcostello1807]

Kicks to corner for Leinster. Kicks to corner World Cup quarter final Ireland same result. Maybe Tim maybe your as good a judge as any

[@maximus_3111]

the Leinster loses his final on his lack of realism and the huge defense of Toulouse, Willis 41 tackle, Dupont 4 turn-over, lebel 16 tackle, Mauvaka 14 🤯 in any case congratulations to the Leinster who has not demerits, you have a great team, you will win it one day and good luck for the URC 👍

[@seanspencer6727]

Merci min ami. Felicitations, Toulouse are a complete team, and would probably get to the WC quarter finals.

[@patrickblanchard4575]

Reste à l"équipe de France maintenant, de battre à nouveau l'équipe d'Irlande et la boucle sera bouclée!. Bravo et respect, aux Lester

[@unleashedmystery]

Leinster does need a better 10…honestly our best chance is kicking game next year with Barrett 😂

[@Wolf-hh4rv]

Great rugby match. No need to change the rules. But WR know better.

[@JohnEDow-jo2inBokke]

What day would you be arriving in South Africa ? We need to welcome your visit at the airport. ! ? . You've been nothing but great to the Boks and their fans. We definitely appreciate that sentiment. Hope your stay here is awesome. The big Dogs will look well after you here. Stay Safe

[@kh7431]

One thing that you have not mentioned is two dodgy calls in the Toulouse 22 in the first 15 mniutes. There was no knock on - clip is on twitter - before Lowe touched down on advantage. And Ntamack clearly rips the ball from Jenkins before McCarthy touced down. . An exciting game for rugby fans. Im not sure it would have sparked as much interest for the neutral as a Fra v Sth Africa for example. Dupont was amazing i agree and WIllis should be one of the first names on the England team sheet

[@briancostello6892]

Yes. Some Refs Decisions Favored Tolouse. What A Different Outcome. If The Right Decisions Were Taken. Essentially by the Camera Ref. 🤔🧐

[@romandago6774]

😢😢😢

[@jonathandestandau9466]

@@briancostello6892yeah we know, French tv director have done it again! We know 😂

[@Conorguill]

Agree that there were a few tough calls from ref on Leinster but it’s irrelevant. That’s going to happen & they need to take ref out of game

[@kh7431]

@@Conorguill that's right but I'm not talking about the ref but rather the TMO . The knock on was immaterial as it turned out. The whistle was blown. But the rip resulted in a try Apparently he also missed a head on head tackle from Willis and I still don't know how Roumat was not penalized for his interception attempt as the ball clearly comes forward from his hand before bouncing and going into touch . Thats a whole lot of wtf from the TMO

[@philipbeagon1984]

I hope Ringrose is fit again soon. He has that x factor you speak of.

[@fredericksandelia9648]

Thank you for that !

[@archierch0463]

I’ve seen many photos of Toulouse players in ski masks this time I don’t know what you’re talking about 😂😂 love the channel 👏

[@justintreacy5435]

Outstanding Tim. As ever. Justin, Dublin.

[@andyrosafx]

Great content as usual, well done

[@jbsjw4071]

Great video keep it going 🔥

[@gavindaly7305]

It’s painful to be a Leinster fan 😢

[@SeamusDempsey-el6ig]

Great analysis as usual. Poor decision making at key stages cost Leinster the game. That and the breakdown. It was obvious from early on that it would be a tight game. Take any points that are on offer. SA would have. Disappointed again but Toulouse are a class act.

[@Kamarenge]

Thanks for the great analysis Tim. The Touluse counter ruck, what a weapon it is they always do it on the edges and almost every time it's a turnover. But in any aspect of the game they are great. Probably the best club team in the world at this moment. But' as you metioned if the dropgoal go's trough the posts... 😊

[@anchorpoint5871]

The two best rugby teams in the world is an overstatement if i may...easily in the top 5 .

[@paulwebster76]

Completely agree on your Ross Byrne Johnny Sexton analogy. It is ridiculous to consider your first 10 so superior to your second 10, that they are still better even with one leg or complete exhaustion.

[@charleswindsor1184]

-Totally agree about Byrne. But lets face it, Leinster/ Ireland have a hole to fill at 10. O'Gara was great, Sexton took it to the next level and to fill those boots is nigh on impossible. Ps. I realise O'Gara played for Munster, but you get my point I hope. -English rugby has always felt it's above & precious. -Kinghorn is a much better tackler than Ramos. And that's why he plays. -And a HUGE AMEN to Dupont for being Dupont.

[@MegaGreatpretender]

Great show

[@jamesfleet4007]

I think metres made per carry will highlight how well Toulouse attack. Liensters defence is unreal.

[@MrFarr007]

European Club rugby I would argue have surpassed Superrugby... these teams are playing brilliant rugby at the moment,

[@user-is9of]

As a Leinster fan I'm gutted at that especially because we made it so close and actually looked like winning in the last 40. I wish I could blame the terrible reffing but i can't because we still had the opportunity to win multiple times but couldn't because Tolouse played really well and played the ref far better than we did which ultimately was the difference.

[@Dreyno]

Carey was awful though. He has a history of reffing one team harshly .

[@KamogeloRakgalakane]

Genuinely the best game I've seen since the world cup Santiago Chocobares, Antoine Dupont Jack Willis and many more were brilliant yesterday... With regards to the media in the northern Hemisphere that's expected from them they are quick to build up and overhype players and teams and quick to overly criticise those same players due to form and one off moments in SA we do criticise players but not like how they do there I think that can affect the players mentality in bigger games you can see that some Journalists have never played any sports by the way they report.

[@richardbouwmeester5964]

Excellent post, as always. Good analysis. Unfortunately agree re Byrne. Applaud Frawley for balls to go for drop goals.

[@benturner190]

Tim, you say Leinster didn’t fluff their lines but then list out all the mistakes they made, the poor passing, bad decision making etc. As well as statistically dominating. I think it’s a reasonable conclusion to say they did fluff it, when they had everything going for them.

[@Alias-gy3tz]

Toulouse did not make any mistakes? They got a red card... 🤔

[@briancostello6892]

Referees Decisions on some Instances Favored Tolouse. That Usually Factors In. In the Overall Outcome.

[@benturner190]

@@Alias-gy3tzDid you reply to the wrong person?

[@danielgriffin9431]

Saying Leinster fluffed their lines is a huge disrespect to Toulouse who won that game fair & square .. from a Leinster fan .. so I agree with Tim

[@michaelmansvelt9843]

Three years in a row. There is something is wrong. The loss to Ulster was writing on the wall. The team should play full strength week after week. The Springboks send half their team two weeks early to New Zealand only to get murdered by the Allblack team returning from Argentina days before the match Lens should also seriously consider playing their best team every week. Sorry to say this but Lenst we’re nowhere near their best!

[@user-is9of]

yes we are, we lost by split decisions to the second best club team in the world we just weren't the best on the day.

[@rothnieoosthuizen3728]

​@@user-is9ofwho is the best club team in the world? Their trophy cabinet must be overflowing from the last three seasons.

[@Lechedeesnuts]

ah yes leinster the current best team in the world in 2024,2023 and 2022....always losing to the "second best" lust be tiring when you're so great

[@user-is9of]

@@rothnieoosthuizen3728 you're team bought in all of their talent and should have lost if the ref didn't favour you. Any other ref and leinster win by ten before extra time

[@rothnieoosthuizen3728]

​@@user-is9of Not my team buddy. As for buying talent, with names like Lowe and Gibson-Park carrying Leinster, I'd maybe pipe down on making a stink about that issue. Also, if Toulouse and La Rochelle are winning cups with bought talent, maybe Ireland should try and learn something from them?

[@barrykent3013]

Jack Willis is outstanding

[@jean-pascalesparceil9008]

A Champions cup to show his baby born in Toulouse. All foreign born players Toulouse recruited (Meafu is French now) have been magnificient. Kinghorn "his nose is crooked, but not his foot" by a french Tv commentator.

[@PhilippeMarchand-xw1zp]

Great analysis as always. Great defensive effort from Toulouse today. FYI Willis and Dupont were both rated with 9/10 by french newspaper L'Equipe. As a Toulouse fan, today's Willis performance remind me Dussautoir as it's best.