By Simon Robinson
April 2 2005

Saints can hold their heads high, even after a 37 - 9 mauling by Toulouse, because they lost out to probably the best club side in Europe. They were comprehensively outclassed by a Toulouse side heaving with current internationals.

hough the scoreline does not suggest it, Saints were still in touch at half time, 14 - 6 down. Tries from Michalak (an interception from the Toulouse 22) and Heymans, both converted by Elissalde, countering two Drahm penalties. The deficit would have been more if Elissalde could find the target with his three penalty attempts.

The sloppy play seen at Franklins's Gardens against Quins last week was still present - but Toulouse capitalised on every mistake. The early loss of Andy Blowers, dropped at a lineout when lifter Tom Smith was taken out, may mean he has played his last game in a Saints shirt.

Smith himself departed the field just before half time. Robbie Morris had just been replaced by Simon Emms, but Smith's injury (a possible broken wrist) resulted in the former England prop returning to the field minutes later.

An early drop goal for French fly half Frederick Michalak marked the card for the second half. Tries for Vincent Clerk and Christian Labit, both converted by Michalak, plus a penalty to complete his full house, left Saints high and dry. All the Northampton players could add in the second half was a single Drahm penalty.

One saving grace to stop the scoreline becoming more Rouge et Noir than Black, Green and Gold were uncontested scrums, resulting from Robbie Morris's departure and the introduction of hooker Dan Richmond. This left Saints with only one prop in the match.

A Toulouse team who were at one point 1/40 to win played superbly, and had replacements most teams in Europe would love to have as starting options. Toulouse must now be good odds to win the tournament outright, playing the winner of today's Leinster - Leicester match at Lansdowne Road.