Injury-hit Sharks fail to ignite as Toulouse take the points in Durban

The hosts did have their captain Siya Kolisi but were missing several first-choice players and struggled to find any real rhythm on the night against the six-time champions.

A star-studded Toulouse side also struggled with their execution on a hot and humid evening at Kings Park but still had enough to come away with a victory and maintain their perfect record in the competition.

As for the Sharks, with two defeats from three matches, they will likely need a victory in Bordeaux next Sunday to have any chance of qualifying for the round of 16.

The Sharks had themselves to blame for a poor start when they turned down the opportunity to kick an easy three points only for flyhalf Jordan Hendrikse to overcook his attempt to kick for the corner.

Toulouse would take the lead with their opening try shortly after, set up by a brilliant 50/22 from No 10 Romain Ntamack, with lock Emmanuel Meafou going over a couple of phases after the ensuing lineout maul.

Hendrikse reduced the deficit from the kicking tee not long after, but even though Toulouse were struggling to make the most of their opportunities, fullback Thomas Ramos did manage to convert two penalties as the visitors took a 13-3 lead into the break, the latter coming in extra time after a sniping run from France scrumhalf Antoine Dupont.

Hopes of a Sharks fightback were fading fast when Toulouse added their second try early in the second half after a superb offload from Ramos saw winger Blair Kinghorn go over in the corner.

That made it 20-3 to the visitors, and though the Sharks did give their fans a brief glimpse of hope when substitute centre Jurenzo Julius scored their first try in the 66th minute after a well-worked team move, a missed conversion still left them 12 points adrift, and Toulouse were able to keep the hosts at bay for the remainder of the match to seal a comfortable win.

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