sport news Toulouse 64-26 Exeter Chiefs: Jack Willis and Blair Kinghorn impress as ... trends now
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For almost 50 minutes, Exeter took the fight to the most successful club in the history of European competition, before Toulouse buried them under an avalanche, led by their stellar British imports.
Former England flanker Jack Willis and Scotland full back Blair Kinghorn had a colossal influence on this quarter-final, which went from being a tight tussle to become a glaring mismatch in the space of 10 second-half minutes.
Willis scored a thunderous try and rampaged repeatedly through the Chiefs’ defence, while Kinghorn touched down twice and ended with 23 points — kicking five conversions and a penalty.
Afterwards, Willis was asked how it feels to hear a French crowd chanting his name and said: ‘It means a lot. Hopefully that means I am winning them over.’
He certainly is. They adore the master poacher’s combative quality and he is proving he belongs among their superstars after a sudden relocation following the collapse of his beloved Wasps.
Jack Willis made a significant impact as Toulouse beat Exeter in the Champions Cup
Blair Kinghorn was also hugely impressive for Toulouse as they reached the quarter-finals
Exeter Chiefs' Zack Wimbush is left dejected following his side's defeat against Toulouse
Willis may be unable to play for England while he is earning a living here, but there are significant compensations — and not just financial ones.
He is part of a special team and added: ‘I absolutely love it. The passion out here is incredible. I want to compete for trophies at the end of the season. That is what I love about this place.’
Until the break, Rob Baxter’s gallant young Exeter team hinted at another shock this side of the Channel, just as they did in the pool stage, when they went to the Cote d’Azur and stunned the once formidable Toulon.
