Toulouse (20) 40 Tries: Murphy, Estebanez, Gay 2, Faure, Gallagher Goals: Couturier 8 Widnes (12) 24 Tries: Emelio, Johnson, Smith, Manu Goals: Myler 4

Firm underdogs against Super League side Widnes, they were 20-0 up after 25 minutes with tries from Sam Murphy, Fabrice Estebanez and Cedric Guy.

The Vikings made it 20-12 at half-time but were always chasing the game.

The home side scored three more tries after the break, with Tom Gallagher's score on 72 minutes sealing the win.

Damian Couturier was key to Toulouse's success, kicking 16 points.

Justin Morgan was full of praise for his part-time players after the defeat of Widnes.

"There were a few guys out there who shouldn't have been out there because they were busted and carrying injuries," said the Toulouse coach.

It's a fantastic afternoon for Toulouse, but for rugby league in France this is enormous Justin Morgan

"But they showed a great spirit and I'm just proud of their effort.

"We are part-timers with full-time jobs so this is a great reward for them. They are the guys that deserve it."

Morgan added that his side's win would give the French game a massive lift.

"It's a fantastic afternoon for Toulouse, but for rugby league in France this is enormous," he said.

Ex-Widnes loan player Gallagher was also understandably delighted with the win.

"I'm ecstatic. We are a part-time team and we just dug in today and stuck to our game-plan 100%," he said.

And Widnes coach Frank Endacott said he felt Toulouse deserved their victory.

"I didn't think we played the smartest football. Without a doubt, the best team won," a deflated Endacott said.

"Toulouse showed more enthusiasm and respect and wanted to win more. Their half-backs showed ours how to play - they gave passes at the right time.

"If we had played to our capabilities we would have won, but we didn't even get the standards we'd set ourselves."

Toulouse: Murphy, Lima, Couturier, F. Estebanez, Olieu, Mulholland, J. Wynne, Faure, Gay, Gallagher, Delpoux, Raguin, Robinson.
Replacements: Prizzon, Viala, Vincent, Almuzara.

Widnes: Connolly, Manu, Hughes, Emelio, Craigie, Myler, O'Connor, Millard, J. O'Neill, Cassidy, Hulse, Whitaker, Frame.
Replacements: Mills, Smith, Holmes, Johnson.