Toulouse reach Top 14 semi-finals with 20-19 win over Oyonnax
Saturday 30 May 2015 21:08, UK
Toulouse claimed their place in the Top 14 semi-finals with a 20-19 win over minnows Oyonnax.
The French giants guaranteed current head coach Guy Noves will be in charge for at least one more match ahead of his expected move to take over as France coach from Philippe Saint-Andre.
Noves, who is set to change jobs following this year's World Cup, enjoyed a nail-biting victory thanks to five penalties from England's Toby Flood and a decisive late try from Cyril Baille.
Toulouse will now play European Cup finalists Clermont in Bordeaux next Saturday for a place in June 13 final, while defending champions Toulon take on Stade Francais, who defeated Racing Metro 38-15 in their play-off tie on Friday.
But Noves feigned ignorance over his reported impending appointment as France coach as he received a standing ovation for what is widely expected to be his final match at the Ernest-Wallon Stadium.
"The public cheered me because we are in the semis and we still have two key matches. They are delighted with that," he told Canal+ television after the game.
"I live next to Ernest-Wallon. So whatever happens I will always be there," he added after his 1,079th game with Toulouse as a player and coach in a career spanning 30 years.
Noves, a Toulouse winger from 1975 to 1988 and coach since 1993, has won 12 French titles, including two as a player, as well as four European Cups in a glittering career. He earned seven caps for France between 1977 and 1979.
Toulouse, the most successful team in French rugby, are trying to extend their record of 19 national titles.
"Guy wrote a beautiful page in the history of Toulouse but the club has to continue to live," said France international winger Yoann Huget.
