Super League: Will Smith debut helps Hull FC win against Toulouse Olympique | News about rugby league
New Hull FC signings Will Smith, Josh Simm, Ellis Longstaff, Jack Brown and Harvey Barron all come through as the visitors return with wins in the Betfred Super League; James Cunningham was forced to pass to give the hosts Toulouse the lead
Last Updated: 7/29/22 9:19 pm
Will Smith races to make his Hull FC debut against Toulouse
Will Smith made his debut as Hull FC finally found their form with a 30-6 match against Betfred Super League fighters Toulouse Olympique at the Stade Ernest Wallon.
Brett Hodgson’s side have broken the form list after six defeats in their last seven and made life harder for the promoted French side in the battle for the title right away. ie.
Toulouse took the lead seven minutes into the match as Hull fumbled with their on-field play to ease James Cunningham’s catch and fall across the test track, Chris Hankinson adding a conversion chance.
But Hull FC was quick to respond when Jake Connor, playing in the center, delivered a precise pass to winger Josh Simm, who passed in the right corner. Luke Gale hit the target with the switch of communication lines to level the score.
And when rookie Smith kicked over the foot of a Toulouse defender to test the second-placed Ellis Longstaff, the visitors took a 10-4 lead.
Captain Tony Gigot’s 40-20 free-kick brought Toulouse back into the attack and Hull FC were then forced to cut short.
Toulouse winger Ilias Bergal thought he had scored in the left corner shortly after, only for referee Ben Thaler to pull him back to make a forward pass, and defied a fierce attack. of the home team, they were unable to turn the pressure into points. still 10-6 at halftime.
James Cunningham opened the scoring for Toulouse
Hull FC played explosively after time and were forced to overlook two early goals and a penalty, but could not move above the scoreboard.
However, their task became easier when Olympique prop Harrison Hansen fouled for a dangerous tackle on Jordan Johnstone in the 50th minute.
And when giants Hull backed Kane Evans through the defence three minutes later to launch Jack Walker then Smith to finish 70 yards below the post, the visitors were in solid control with a 16- 6 after Gale’s transformation.
Hull FC increased the lead later when Jack Brown used a defensive combination to score from 10 yards and Gale’s conversion gave Black and White a 22-6 lead.
Harvey Barron came on for Hull FC in the second half
Gale added a penalty in the 63rd minute and Connor’s clever kick then forced Toulouse out from below the post.
Two crosses from full-back Oliver Ashall-Bott made matters worse for Toulouse and positioning for Hull FC, and Gale’s kick was taken by substitute Harvey Barron, who was play in the fifth game.
Toulouse’s desperation then melted into indiscipline, conceding a series of penalties as the game ran out of time.
What did they say
Hull FC head coach, Brett Hodgson
“We delivered a proud performance today. Toulouse are a very strong team, especially here, but seeing hundreds of fans sing in the corner of the stadium on Sunday. The end of the game means a lot to the players and the club.”
Toulouse Olympique head coach Sylvain Houles
“Our indiscipline cost us again, with and without the ball. We started well but then we lost often and we did the same thing before. Salford in the second half last week.
What’s next?
Toulouse will meet Hull Kingston Rovers on Thursday, August 4 for a match live on Sky Sports (starts at 8pm). Hull FC will host Huddersfield Giants the next night (7.45pm).
