Biarritz 20-27 Toulouse, Heineken Cup Quarter-Final, April 9
Noves hails Toulouse spirit
ESPNscrum Staff
April 11, 2011
Toulouse's William Servat attempts to force an opening, Biarritz v Toulouse, Heineken Cup Quarter-Final, Estadio Anoeta, San Sebastian, Spain, April 10, 2011
William Servat makes some hard yards for Toulouse © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Tournaments/Tours: Heineken Cup
Teams: Biarritz | France | Toulouse

Toulouse coach Guy Noves praised his side's character after their extra-time victory over Biarritz in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.

Yannick Nyanga's try at the death secured a 27-20 victory and set up a Dublin showdown with Leinster in the last four, the Irish side having overcome Leicester on Saturday.

Two early tries, from fullback Cedric Heymans and winger Maxime Medard, had put Toulouse in control, but the boot of Dimitri Yachvili and a late try in normal time from winger Ilikena Bolakoro kept Biarritz in the contest.

"Against a rival of this quality the players showed enormous self-discipline and extraordinary will to succeed," Noves told AFP.

Biarritz president Serge Blanco lamented their poor showing in the first-half but reserved praise for the players following their fightback. "Nothing went right in the first half, we were forced to waste a lot of energy," he said. "I think we showed we had pride and courage."

The match-winner, Nyanga, is anticipating a tough task away to Leinster, despite the fact that Toulouse overcame the same opponents at the semi-final stage last season.

"They really dominated Leicester in the quarter-finals, there's nothing to say about their victory," he told Midi Olympique. "It'll be very involved, we expect a huge game. Last year we had them beaten at home but it will be different."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.