Toulouse 6-30 Hull: Will Smith inspires Black and Whites on debut
Will Smith scores for Hull on debut | Photo: Manuel Blondeau/SWpix
Hull’s new recruit Will Smith scored on his debut to help the Black and Whites boost their play-off hopes thanks to a 30-6 win in Toulouse.
The win sees Brett Hodgson’s side go above Salford into the sixth and final play-off spot. The Red Devils face champions St Helens at home on Sunday.
It was a strong strong start from Toulouse, who scored through James Cunningham inside six minutes following an error from Josh Simm.
Loanee Simm redeemed himself midway through the first half when he got on the end of a superb pass from Jake Connor.
Hull took the lead in the 26th minute as Ellis Longstaff, who is on loan from Warrington, latched onto a grubber from Smith. Luke Gale couldn’t convert but the Black and Whites took a narrow 10-6 lead into the sheds.
HT: Toulouse Olympique 6-10 Hull FC
Dream debut for Will Smith
Smith scored in his first game for Hull. Fijian prop Kane Evans got a fine offload away to full-back Jack Walker who raced away on a break to assist the supporting Smith who finished the move.
Brett Hodgson’s side were in good form in the second half. They extended their lead on the hour through prop Jack Brown. Gale’s conversion put Hull in a comfortable 22-6 lead with 20 minutes left.
Hull had another debutant who got on the scoresheet, this time in the shape of youngster Harvey Barron late on. Hull finished strong 30-6 winners in the south of France.
FT: Toulouse Olympique 6-30 Hull FC
Toulouse: Ashall-Bott; Bergal, Jussaume, Hankinson, Marcon; Norman, Gigot; Navarrete, Peats, Belmas, Bretherton, Peyroux, Cunningham. Subs: Albert, Hansen, Puech, Marion.
Tries: Cunningham Goals: Hankinson 1
Hull: Walker; McIntosh, Connor, Vulikijapani, Simm; Smith, Gale; Evans, Houghton, Taylor, Lane, Longstaff, Fash. Subs: Barron, Brown, Johnstone, Laidlaw.
Tries: Simm, Longstaff, Smith, Brown, Barron Goals: Gale 5
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