Toulouse probably expected an easy Round 1 game against Gloucester but it was far from that. Gloucester fans both in France and at home would have been elated with 10 minutes to go as Trinder scored what looked to be the winner but a Poitrenaud try just a few minutes later denied the West-Country side victory.

Burns missed the opening opportunity of the game just a few minutes in but Gloucester showed their attacking hunger as Tindall struck a huge territorial kick. In the end, Toulouse countered and hammered away at the Gloucester defence...

Freddie Burns settled his nerves and kicked his next opportunity putting Gloucester in a 3-0 lead after 11 minutes of play. However, Burns’ opposite number, Luke McAlister couldn’t match the young Gloucester fly-half as he fluffed his first attempt.

After several close opportunities for Gloucester by Burns, Trinder and Qera, they finally scored after half an hour of play. The visitors showed great hands and an incredible offload from May was delivered to Sharples who raced over for the opener.

From the restart Gloucester were accidentally offside and McAlister capitalized taking the three points on offer.

Matanavou was next to score and he did so from a sharp grubber kick by McAlister. The Gloucester defenders were unable to prevent Matanavou racing over for Toulouse. McAlister converted and the score going into the break was 10-8 to the visitors.

The Gloucester pack were hit with a blow ten minutes into the 2nd half as Strokosch was put in the bin. McAlister scored the subsequent penalty leaving Gloucester trailing by one point.

Burns missed a penalty on the 54 minute mark but it was nothing compared to two try misses from both Donguy and Poitrenaud for Toulouse. Substitute, Beauxis missed a drop goal attempt after an hour play meaning the gap was still just a single point.

However, Beauxis redeemed himself with a penalty on the 66th minute. A strong selection of phases from Gloucester came with 10 minutes to go and when Tindall got hold of the ball he offloaded to oncoming Henry Trinder who went over for a vital Gloucester try. Burns converted and the visitors took a 17-14 lead.

But Toulouse responded as Poitrenaud went over the Gloucester line and took a crucial lead. Lionel Beauxis converted and it looked all over for Gloucester.
As time went up, Gloucester were in possession and Burns accepted a bonus point was enough for Gloucester and kicked the ball into touch.

Details:
HT Score: 8-10
FT Score: 21-17