Injuries force Toulouse changes

Three second-row players—Clement Vergé, Emmanuel Meafou, and Thibaud Flament—are out due to injuries, forcing Stade Toulousain to make adjustments ahead of their Champions Cup match against Exeter. Vergé is expected to return in spring 2027, Meafou may not return before the end of December or January, and Flament announced a shoulder operation with "several months" of absence. This has created a significant challenge for the team, particularly in the forwards.

Toulouse adds young player to squad

To address the issue, Toulouse has modified its European squad list, registering 19-year-old Alban Portat to replace Marceau Marzullo, a flanker and captain of the under-20s. Portat, who is 1.98 m tall and 100 kg, has five appearances with the French under-20s but no professional matches. He is the younger brother of Raphaël Portat. According to EPCR regulations, clubs can register up to five additional players during the group stage, each replacing a player already registered. This move allows Toulouse to strengthen its squad at a critical position.

Portat's selection uncertain

Despite being registered, Portat's selection for the match is not guaranteed. The team has other options, including Joshua Brennan, Efrain Elias, Roméo Bonnard-Martin, Joel Merkler, Alexandre Roumat, and Anthony Jelonch, who have played in the second-row position. However, reconfiguring the forward pack may be necessary if a prop or flanker is moved into the second-row.

Toulouse brings in experienced player

Toulouse has also reached an agreement with 34-year-old Jimmy Tupou to bring experience, though his arrival is subject to medical tests and contract approval. The team aims to avoid exposing a young player to disproportionate responsibilities while managing the current situation.

Toulouse unveils unusual lineup

For the match against Exeter, Toulouse has unveiled an unusual team lineup. Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack will be in the halfbacks, with Santiago Chocobares and Kalvin Gourgues in the centers. Teddy Thomas and Ange Capuozzo will occupy the wings, while Matias Remue will start at fullback. The backline is expected to provide movement and challenges for the English defense.

Toulouse's forward line details

Up front, Toulouse will pair Joshua Brennan with Joel Merkler in the scrum, with Rodrigue Neti, Thomas Lacombre, and Dorian Aldegheri forming the front row. The second row will consist of Cros, Elias, and Théo Ntamack. On the bench, Peato Mauvaka, Anthony Jelonch, and Tommaso Menoncello provide strong options for the second half.

Remue's role as fullback

The selection of Remue as fullback is notable, as he has scored three tries in six Top 14 matches last season. His ability to launch attacks is expected to provide a threat behind the first line without requiring Capuozzo to leave his wing.

Toulouse's backline strategy

The pairing of Chocobares and Gourgues has potential, with Chocobares working close to the ball and Gourgues benefiting from the spaces created. With Thomas and Capuozzo at the ends, Dupont and Ntamack have finishers capable of punishing a poorly synchronized defensive push.

Second row remains a concern

The real question mark remains in the second row, with Merkler standing at 1.94 m and 134 kg. The repositioning of Elias to the second row allows the team to keep a jumper of 2.01 m in the lineup. Toulouse will have to protect its attacking ball against the pairing of Tom Hooper-Dafydd Jenkins before thinking about increasing playing time.

Toulouse's bench strategy

The bench includes six forwards, indicating a strategy focused on maintaining power in the contact zones. Mauvaka and Jelonch are returning from injury, while Colombe and Bonnard-Martin add depth to the rotations. Marc-Élie Kouassi offers an additional option in the front, and Paul Graou and Menoncello cover behind.

Exeter's team and Toulouse's challenge

Exeter, finalists of the Premiership last season, arrive without Feyi-Waboso but with Henry Slade, Dafydd Jenkins, and Fisilau. Toulouse's attack, which scored nine tries against them in the European quarterfinals in 2024, will be crucial in this match. The result will also depend on the makeshift second row, which must hold its ground against English players determined not to be mere support.