Toulouse demonstrate power with spine tingling hits

It was another wonderful weekend of European rugby, with many of the big sides clashing with tremendous effect.

In the pick of the Saturday games, European titans Leinster were pushed hard by a spirited Racing 92 team led by the likes of Gail Fickou and Finn Russell. It remained tight until the latter stages of the second half, until the Irish side started to really click between the gears and pick apart any weaknesses that Racing 92 had.

Si tu regardes que les highlights de Finn Russell, il y a de quoi te faire croire que c’est le plus grand ouvreur de l’histoire de ce sport. pic.twitter.com/PusKDMlhJP

— Gauthier Baudin (@GauthierBaudin) January 23, 2023

🚨INCREDIBLE ASSIST ALERT 🚨

⚠️ Stop what you’re doing and watch this fantastic pass from Garry Ringrose.

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed 🤩#HeinekenChampionsCup | @leinsterrugby pic.twitter.com/R7poz0Za4u

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 21, 2023

Another worthy mention was English club Harlequins coming out on top over the newly included South African team, Sharks, in a high-scoring affair that saw veteran scrum-half Danny Care run out for his 350th appearance for Quins.

A wonderful moment at Twickenham Stoop as @dannycare walks out for his 350th @Harlequins appearance with his children, Blake, Koha and Rocco.

Is anyone else jealous of Rocco’s outfit? 👀#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/uRXuHzGQpd

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 21, 2023

Sunday came along with much promise. The main event was always going to be the ‘rematch’ between Toulouse and Munster. It was a chance for Munster to return the favour after the sensational penalty kick competition that sealed the fate of the two sides in last year’s tournament. Like the year prior, the result was no different on Sunday. Although the game needed not venture into penalty kick territory, it was still a close, hard-fought, affair. Toulouse once again came out on top, primarily down to their dogged defence and hard work around the breakdown, stopping the Irish side from getting any real purchase on the game.

To see just how tough the Top 14 side’s defence was, check out the video below which shows three thumping tackles in the space of 34 seconds!

Three 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 hits from Toulouse in 34 seconds 😲

Get your sound on for this one 🔊#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/IThg3UnN7b

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 22, 2023

With the group stages all now completed, the final next round of fixtures are now available for all to see.

The last-16 ties, to be played from 31 March to 2 April, are as follows:
– Leinster v Ulster
– Exeter v Montpellier
– Sharks v Munster
– Saracens v Ospreys
– Leicester v Edinburgh
– Stormers v Harlequins
– Toulouse v Bulls
– La Rochelle v Gloucester

The @ChampionsCup Round of 16! 🏆@BrianODriscoll and Lawrence Dallaglio take a look at the knockout stage fixtures.#HeinekenChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/P5q32oC3ex

— Rugby on BT Sport (@btsportrugby) January 23, 2023