TOULOUSE 28, LONDON IRISH 23

London Irish marked their Heineken Cup debut by racing into a nine points lead in the opening quarter at the home of the inaugural champions.

The Irish still led by a point at half-time and when Barry Everitt kicked his third penalty 11 minutes into the second half, to add to two drop goals, the Exiles were looking good value for their lead.

But then player-coach Brendan Venter fell foul of Welsh international referee Nigel Whitehouse and was sent to the sin-bin for a second high tackle.

Jean-Baptiste Elissalde punished the Irish further with a penalty for Venter's tackle and then wing Vincent Clerc flew in for the first of his two tries.

Toulouse stepped up a gear and raced into a 14 point lead, although the Irish hit back strongly at the end. Nick Burrows, who replaced Venter in the centre, crashed over for a try three minutes from time and Everitt landed his fourth penalty before the end.

Scorers: Toulouse: Tries: V Clerc 2, I Maka; Cons: J-B Elissalde 2; Pens: J-B Elissalde 2, F Michalak.

London Irish: Try: N Burrows; Pens: B Everitt 4; DGs: B Everitt 2.