Writing in the Irish Independent, Peter Bills argues that while Toulouse underwhelmed in Saturday's Heineken Cup final success over Biarritz, the victors' match day 22 underlined a serious gulf in playing resources between France and Ireland's elite teams.
"In many respects, Saturday's Heineken Cup final reminded us that the northern hemisphere continues to lag behind its southern counterpart for attacking intent, entertainment and running rugby. The primary philosophy in this part of the world remains defence, forcing mistakes by opponents and kicking or dropping goals to triumph on the scoreboard.
"Toulouse tried to play some rugby, make something of it and live up to the occasion. But frankly, the final was often a boring, inferior product in which even the winners struggled to rise to the occasion. No wonder Toulouse coach Guy Noves wore the look afterwards of a distinctly unimpressed business manager who had just endured a pretty ordinary day at the office.
"But there was another issue that emerged from this final that should cause furrowed brows in other European countries like Ireland. Beyond dispute, the power in European rugby has swung decisively to France and you only had to look at the squad Toulouse compiled for this final to see that point vividly emphasised."
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