Toulouse v Harlequins: A Tale of Two Halves

Every rugby fan knows that anything can happen in a game of rugby. Just when you think you have the measure of a team, they pull something unexpected out of the bag and leave you scratching your head.
That was certainly the case in the recent match between Toulouse and Harlequins. Toulouse, the reigning European champions, were expected to beat the English side comfortably. But Harlequins had other ideas.
They started the match like a house on fire, scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes. Toulouse were shell-shocked and it looked like they were going to be blown away.
But then, just as quickly as Harlequins had started, they stopped. Toulouse began to get a foothold in the game and slowly but surely they started to claw their way back into it.
By half-time, they had reduced the deficit to just five points and they were starting to look the more likely winners.
The second half was a completely different story. Toulouse came out all guns blazing and they quickly scored two tries to take the lead. Harlequins were now on the back foot and they struggled to contain the French side's powerful forwards.
Toulouse went on to win the match comfortably in the end, but it was a much closer game than anyone had expected. Harlequins showed great spirit and determination but they were ultimately outclassed by the more experienced and powerful Toulouse side.
So what can we learn from this match?
Firstly, never underestimate the power of a good start. Harlequins' fast start put Toulouse on the back foot and it took them a long time to recover.
Secondly, never give up. Even when you are down and out, there is always a chance of coming back. Toulouse showed great resilience to come back from two tries down to win the match.
Finally, experience and quality always counts for something. Toulouse are a more experienced and well-drilled side than Harlequins and it showed in the end.
What did you make of the match? Let me know in the comments below.