Toulouse Olympique 14-42 Huddersfield Giants: Player ratings and major talking points

It was a case of new beginnings for French outfit Toulouse Olympique who finally began their life in the Betfred Super League tonight. However, they were dealt an almighty reality check as Huddersfield Giants swept them aside in France 42-14 in Round One.

Talking Points:

1. A demoralising start but a euphoric ending for Huddersfield

The Giants quickly trailed 10-0 after 20 minutes in what initially looked like a long night for the visitors. However, a score from Luke Yates after a penalty against Tony Gigot proved to be the game breaker as the Giants scored 42 consecutive points to see off the French side. The Giants have spent plenty in the off season and their investment well and truly paid off tonight. If the likes of Theo Fages and co continue to settle, they could well become genuine dark horses for silverware.

2. Losing players not helping Toulouse

It may sound obvious but the absence of key players was clearly a factor tonight as the French side had to cope without Mark Kheirallah after already losing skipper Johnathan Ford ahead of the season. They started well but ultimately lacked fitness and guidance as they conceded penalty after penalty which really put them to the sword. Something that might not have happened had they had their key players on the field. With ongoing worries about the likes of Kheirallah and a massive hole left by Ford, they may have to invest if they want to stand any chance of survival, even this early.

3. Olly Russell the one to watch

The focus at Huddersfield has centred on the likes of Tui Lolohea and Theo Fages, however, Olly Russell certainly caught the eye with a magnificent performance tonight. Russell assisted in more than one try and slotted over seven goals to help the Giants to a comfortable win. In the absence of several key players, Russell demonstrated he has a bright future ahead of him. Clearly capable of stepping up when needed, tonight’s performance only highlighted his ever-improving maturity.

Ratings:

Toulouse Olympique
31. Tony Gigot – 7
20. Ilias Bergal – 6
24. Guy Armitage – 7
3. Junior Vaivai – 6
25. Matty Russell – 7
21. Chris Hankinson – 5
7. Lucas Albert – 6
16. Joe Bretherton – 6
9. Lloyd White – 6
8. Romain Navarrete – 6
12. Dominique Peyroux – 6
11. Andrew Dixon – 6
19. James Cunningham – 5
Substitutes
14. Eloi Pelissier – 6
15. Maxime Puech – 5
17. Joseph Paulo – 6
23. Justin Sangare – 6

Huddersfield Giants
6. Tui Lolohea – 8
22. Louis Senior – 7
21. Leroy Cudjoe – 7
3. Jake Wardle – 7
25. Innes Senior – 7
23. Olly Russell – 9
7. Theo Fages – 7
8. Chris Hill – 7
9. Danny Levi – 8
14. Matty English – 7
11. Josh Jones – 8
12. Chris McQueen – 8
13. Luke Yates – 8
Substitutes
15. Joe Greenwood – 7
17. Owen Trout – 7
18. Sebastine Ikahihifo – 7
31. Olly Ashall-Bott – 7