Toulouse, as expected, reached the final of the European Universities Rugby Cup when they defeated University College Cork in Toulouse last night, but it was far from what they expected.
They scored seven but conceded five tries as the Cork side gave Irish rugby a much needed shot in the arm.
Former schools international, Rory Collins, helped Cork claw their way back from an early 14 point deficit with a 28th minute try and Collins also scored early in the second half to keep Cork in the game.
At various intervals Toulouse looked like running away with the game but equally the Cork side kept on fighting back.
Collins (2), Donncha Murphy, Aidan O'Shea and Peter Stringer were the UCC try scorers, with Colin Healy adding two conversions.
Vincente Martry had two tries for Toulouse, Jula Mir, Nicholas Roussell, Christophe Laurent and Zavier Garba one each. Darri Carrere also scored one try, five conversions and a penalty.