Fritz shines as Toulouse focus on Cardiff

But the players seemed more focussed on next week's Cardiff final, putting in a disjointed and disappointing performance.

Guy Noves decided to rest Patricio Albacete and Manu Ahatoelia, who despite picking up a blow to the knee last weekend was declared fit earlier in the week, but by far the most missed was Byron Kelleher who had to content himself with watching the game from the dugout.

Vincent Courrent played at 9 and Elissalde at outside half, a move which suggests the Kelleher-Elissalde partnership is set for Cardiff.

Despite a disallowed try for William Servat and Yves Donguy dropping the ball over the line, Toulouse lacked their usual fizz but were still too strong for Montauban.

Florian Fritz started the game and, despite going off after half an hour with what appeared to be an ankle injury, he returned to the pitch at half time to finish the match and catch the eye a number of line breaks an impressive defensive play.

Fritz' performance must have been encouraging for Noves as the centre looked back on the pace for the first time since his return from a broken leg during the 2008 RBS Six Nations.

Yannick Jauzion said: "We know that tonight's game was not what we wanted it to be and we are very aware that we need to step up for the final next weekend. Munster are a tough opposition and we will not get away with anything less than a 100% performance."

Despite the poor performance, after the experience of the semi-finals, perhaps Toulouse will just be thankful not to have added to their injury list.