Antoine Dupont delivered a masterclass as Toulouse powered into the Investec Champions Cup last 16 with a crushing 77-7 victory over Sale.

Dupont crossed twice as the six-time champions ran in 11 tries in a one-sided contest, ensuring they avoided missing out on the knockout stages for the first time since 2016.

The emphatic win leaves Ugo Mola’s side well placed for a home last-16 tie, although Toulouse would be on the road should they advance further in the competition.

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“We enjoyed ourselves,” Dupont said afterwards.

“We know it’s always harder away from home, it’s not the easiest route but we’re capable of going far especially when we’re at our best.”

Sale’s only response came through a second-half try by Tom Curtis, with the already-qualified English side making a string of changes. Toulouse had raced into a 28-0 half-time lead, helped by Sale being reduced to 13 men following yellow cards to Alex Wills and Sam Dugdale just before the break.

The French giants showed no mercy after the interval, piling on seven more tries. The match also marked the return of François Cros, making his first appearance since September in a timely boost ahead of France coach Fabien Galthie’s Six Nations squad announcement.

Toulouse’s victory confirmed the Sharks’ elimination, despite the Durban side thumping Clermont 50-12 earlier on Saturday.

In Pool 3, the Stormers sealed their place in the last 16 with a 39-26 win over Leicester Tigers at Cape Town Stadium. Leicester’s hopes now rest on La Rochelle, who need just a single point at home against Quins to clinch the final knockout berth in the pool.

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Elsewhere, Leinster produced a composed second-half comeback to beat Bayonne 22-13, having already secured their place in the knockouts.

In Pool 2, Castres stunned Munster 31-29 in Limerick to eliminate the two-time champions, while Toulon’s 31-14 win over Gloucester confirmed both their own progression and Edinburgh’s place in the last 16.

Bath’s 63-10 demolition of Edinburgh on Friday night saw the English side top Pool 2, while in Pool 4, the Vodacom Bulls’ 26-24 win over Pau kept their qualification hopes alive.

Those hopes could however still be dashed on Sunday, with Scarlets needing a result away to Northampton Saints to deny the Pretoria side a knockout spot.

Defending champions Bordeaux-Bègles close out the pool stage on Sunday with a trip to Bristol, with both teams already safely through.

– AFP

Photo: Federico Pestellini/INPHO