Glasgow Warriors 28 (0)
Tries: McKay, Brown, Tuipulotu Cons: Hastings 4
Toulouse 21 (21)
Tries: Dupont, Gourgues 2, Cons: Ramos 3
Glasgow Warriors orchestrated a remarkable comeback from a 21-0 deficit to triumph over Toulouse in the Champions Cup, marking a historic night for the club.
Despite torrential rain and severe winds, the six-time champions initially showcased their renowned power and precision, threatening to overwhelm their hosts in the first half.
Antoine Dupont, in his first start after an eight-month absence due to a knee injury, ignited the scoreboard with the opening try, followed by two from Kalvin Gourgues, propelling the visitors to a seemingly insurmountable lead by halftime.
However, the Warriors emerged with renewed vigor, stunning Toulouse with tries from Josh McKay, Gregor Brown, Sione Tuipulotu, and Gregor Hiddleston, sending the Scotstoun crowd into a frenzy.
The stadium erupted in applause upon the announcement of Dupont’s name before the match, and the maestro swiftly demonstrated his prowess.
Thibaud Flament breached the Warriors’ defense, surging into the 22 and connecting with Dupont, who effortlessly scored the opening try within the first six minutes.
Dupont remained pivotal as Toulouse struck again moments later, though the home crowd contested the pass to Gourgeus for the second try, deeming it forward.
The Warriors appeared to be on the unfavorable side of referee Matthew Carley’s decisions, with mounting penalties and pressure against them.
The home side desperately clung on until halftime, but Gourgeus evaded a weak tackle from Josh McKay to score his second and Toulouse’s third try.
Glasgow narrowly avoided another setback as Ange Capuozzo’s try was disallowed after being forced into touch while grounding the ball in the corner, leaving the score at 21-0 at the break, suggesting a near-certain outcome.
Or so it seemed. Glasgow required a spark of hope, which arrived when skillful handling allowed McKay to break free along the touchline for a try.
Whether inspired by a stern halftime address from head coach Franco Smith, or benefiting from the wind at their backs, the Warriors transformed, challenging their esteemed opponents.
The Glasgow bench made a significant impact, with substitute Brown forcing his way over from close range, narrowing the deficit to seven points and electrifying Scotstoun.
The stadium nearly erupted when Tuipulotu capitalized on sustained pressure on the Toulouse line, and Adam Hastings’ successful conversion leveled the score.
Glasgow pressed on, unsettling Toulouse, and delivered another blow with a rolling line-out maul that propelled substitute Hiddleston over the try-line, granting the Warriors their first lead.
Great teams often find a way out of difficult situations, but on this night, the Toulouse Galacticos were overwhelmed by an inspired Glasgow Warriors side in a memorable and exhilarating contest at Scotstoun.
Glasgow: McKay; Steyn, McDowall, Tuipulotu, Smith; Hastings, Dobie; McBeth, Hiddleston, Z Fagerson, Williamson, Cummings, M Fagerson, Darge, Dempsey.
Replacements: Stephen, Sutherland, Talakai, Craig, Brown, Miller, Horne, Lancaster.
Toulouse: Ramos; Capuozzo, Costes, Gourgues, Kinghorn; Ntamack, Dupont; Ainuu, Marchand, Aldegheri, Brennan, Flament, Willis, Banos, Jelonch.
Replacements: Lacombre, Neti, Merkler, Meafou, Castro Ferreira, Roumat, Graou, Thomas.