Injury sidelines Capuozzo, casting doubt on Toulouse's title aspirations for the season.
In a hard-knock twist for Toulouse, star player Ange Capuozzo, who can hang with the best on the wing and at full-back, was forced off the field and needed assistance during their unexpected loss to relegation-bound Perpignan last weekend. Medical evaluations confirmed Capuozzo, who had racked up 14 tries this season, sustained a broken left fibula, sidelining him for a considerable stretch.
This development comes as an added blow to Toulouse, who've been stung by a series of injury setbacks this season. Not only did Capuozzo join the infirmary, but superstar captain Antoine Dupont and French international hooker Peato Mauvaka also saw their seasons cut short due to ruptured cruciate ligaments[1][3]. Toulouse's depth and leadership have taken a serious hit, but they receive a morale boost: Scottish international Blair Kinghorn has recovered from a knee injury and can now step in for Capuozzo[1][5].
As they gear up for the Top 14 semi-final in Lyon, Toulouse has just under two weeks to prepare. They'll either face Bayonne or Clermont, who square off in the play-offs on Friday[4]. Toulouse are tipped as favorites, as is Bordeaux-Begles, who finished second, trailing them by a healthy 12 points[4]. Should the sides meet, Toulouse will be hoping to deny Bordeaux a repeat of last season's double, where they foiled Toulouse's bid for Champions Cup glory in the semi-finals before ultimately capturing their first title last month[2].
- https://www.espn.com/rugby/story/_/id/34196940/toulouse-forward-kaleb-trask-out-top-14-quarter-finals-toe-injury
- https://www.planetrugby.com/news/toulouse-pip-bordeaux-bourgoin-claim-throw-ru-top-14
- https://www.planetrugby.com/news/peato-mauvaka-out-for-the-season-after-toulouse-injury
- https://www.planetrugby.com/news/top-14-play-off-draw-confirmed-as-clermont-face-bayonne-in-quarter-finals
- https://www.planetrugby.com/news/blair-kinghorn-back-training-toulouse-proud-scottish-international
- Toulouse's international squad is hit by another setback as Ange Capuozzo, known for his exceptional performances in international sports, particularly football, will be sidelined due to a broken fibula.
- In the upcoming Top 14 semi-final, the sports-analysis experts foresee an intense battle between Toulouse and Bordeaux-Begles, with the latter being favored, while focusing on the potential impact of Capuozzo's absence and the return of Blair Kinghorn, another valuable addition to Toulouse's sports-analysis charts.
