REPORT| Champions Cup drama as Munster lose out to Toulouse in heart-stopping Shootout

Munster and Toulouse’s quarter-final clash ended in dramatic fashion with over one hundred minutes played the game was decided during a penalty shootout.

Munster lose out to Toulouse after a full-time score of 24-24 led to a penalty shootout that finished 4-2 in the French sides favour.

Ben Healy and Conor Murray both missed penalties to allow Toulouse the opportunity to steal the game as they went a perfect four from four from the tee.

It was a heart-stopping 100 minutes of play where both Munster and Toulouse couldn’t have given anymore. Johann van Graan’s side produced and incredible effort that the players and fans alike could be proud of.

Alex Kendellen was the first try scorer of the day for the red province, with support from his teammates he was pushed over the line after a big carry to dot the ball down. Carbery nailed the first of three conversions he would make on the day. The reigning champions Toulouse were able to hit back right kick off as they recovered the ball and drove Mattias Lebel over the line for their first converted try.

Both Munster and Toulouse added two more tries to the scoreboard in the first eighty minutes. A smart over the top pass from Joey Carbery was able to put Keith Earls in space to easily touch the ball down. Mike Haley added the third after a brilliant break from Chris Farrell. Lebel added his second for Toulouse before Romain Ntamack made it three after sloppy defence from Munster.

After the eighty regulation minutes a nervy twenty minute extra time period left both sides level needing a penalty shootout to settle the tie. Murray and Carbery nailed their first shots with Antoine Dupont following suit. Murray and Healy would go onto miss their crucial penalties, whereas the French trio nailed each of their respective kicks.

The shootout was settled at 4-2 as Healy missed his final kick to give the French side the victory. Toulouse now advance to the Semi-Finals of the competition. Commiserations to Johann van Graan and his Munster side after a brilliant performance in the Aviva stadium.