France
Toulouse beat Racing in Hong Kong
ESPN Staff
November 9, 2013
Former Springbok Ralepelle bagged the decisive try for Toulouse © Getty Images
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Chiliboy Ralepelle grabbed a try as Toulouse earned a hard-fought 19-12 victory over fellow Top 14 side Racing Metro at an exhibition game in Hong Kong.

The former Springbok opened the scoring in what was billed as the first clash between two top European rugby union clubs in Asia, in front of more than 5,000 people. Toulouse led 19-5 at the break but had to battle hard to hold onto their lead in the second half as Racing mounted a comeback.

As both sides were hoping to increase exposure for the game and their own brand both sides adopted an attacking mindset throughout. Despite the fact that the match against their domestic rivals did not have the importance of a regular Top 14 clash Toulouse wing Hosea Gear insists his side did not approach the fixture any differently.

"It was full-on. Everyone was taking it very seriously even though this game was not part of the league," he said.

"We went out there intent on entertaining the fans for the real goal of this match was to spread the message of rugby in this part of the world. Today was also about spreading the brand of both our clubs. It was a no-holds-barred game and both teams didn't take penalties as the idea was to play as expansive a game as possible,"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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