Glasgow sunk by Toulouse

Glasgow's hopes of qualifying from Pool 5 suffered another setback as Toulouse turned on the style when it mattered to clinch a 22-16 win at Firhill.

For long periods of the game it looked as if the home side were on course for a vital win, however two tries in eight minutes from the three-time European champions put paid to any such hopes.

Trailing 9-7 at the interval, Toulouse head coach Guy Noves must have had some harsh words for his side as his troops stormed out in the second half with quick-fire tries from Byron Kelleher and Yannick Jauzion.

Dan Parks made a fine return to the Glasgow side with three first half penalties, before Lome Faatau scored late on, however the Warriors couldn't find another late score and remain winless after two games.

Glasgow kicked-off proceedings on a blustery night at Firhill and it didn't take long before they registered the first points of the game.

A well-worked linout saw John Barclay power his way within inches of the Toulouse line and in the visitors' desperate efforts to defend they conceded a penalty which Parks slammed over.

Golden opportunity

The impressive Barclay made another burst moments later and won a lineout on the Toulouse try-line, however the French defence held firm.

More concerted Glasgow pressure saw Toulouse concede another penalty five minutes later, however Parks fluffed the opportunity spectacularly.

However, the Scotland international made no mistake minutes later, when, from a much tougher position the Glasgow No.10 expertly smashed home a penalty from the halfway line to put the home side 6-0 ahead.

Thom Evans then spurned a golden opportunity to score the first try of the evening when he spilled the ball with the line at his mercy.

And Toulouse made Glasgow pay for that error as a moment of magic from David Skrela saw him pierce the backline before diving under the posts.

His converted score meant that the visitors were a point ahead without moving out of first gear.

However, Glasgow were not deterred by the setback and continued to pressurise the shaky Toulouse defence. Parks' third penalty put Glasgow 9-7 ahead nine minutes before the break and that's how the score remained until the interval.

Sublime

Returning for the second half, it didn't take long for Toulouse to edge themselves back ahead, a swift move saw the ball set perfectly for Malell Kanavore who placed his drop-goal through the middle of the posts.

Toulouse grew in confidence from there on and Kelleher went over for the three-time European champions shortly after when Maxime Medard broke the gameline.

With the French side almost in full flow they began to turn the screw when another sublime piece of individual skill, this time from Clement Poitrenaud saw Toulouse extend their lead.

Poitrenaud's inch-perfect chip kick was collected by Jauzion and the classy France international sidestepped his man before crossing for his 12th European try.

At 22-9 down Glasgow could have been forgiven for a slight loss of confidence and belief, however they continued to probe away in search of a route back into the match.

With time running out the Warriors got the reward their persistence deserved as Faatau capitalised on some calamitous Toulouse defending to give the home supporters a glimmer of hope heading into the final four minutes.

Despite the late siege, Toulouse held out for the victory and Glasgow will be left to contemplate what might have been as they went down to their second defeat in the competition in as many games.