There are some things in life that those who love sport at the highest level must see live to truly appreciate; Lionel Messi dribbling at full speed, the ease with which Tiger Woods swings a golf club, Roger Federer's effortless backhand. For rugby purists, Toulouse falls into the same elite category.
This was an afternoon of untold misery for Leicester as they were destroyed by a simply majestic French team and suffered a record European defeat at the hands of the defending champions. But anyone with a passion for the 15-team game, even the disgruntled Tigers fans who traveled here in large numbers, must surely have appreciated Toulouse's performance.
They played Gods rugby and scored a point a minute. Toulouse finished with 12 tries, crossing for six in each half. It was absolutely amazing and a true privilege to witness in person. Antoine Dupont took over Messi's role as manager while Leicester were devastated. All around him, the majestic Dupont had leading lights.
Jack Willis, who is sorely missed by England because of his way of life, ruthlessly stole the ball at the breakdown. Romain Ntamack unleashed his forwards and his backs. Italian 'racing snake' Ange Capuozzo led the blue shirts in a joyous dance. Thibaud Flament had a field day. Dupont, Emmanuel Meafou, Capuozzo and Flament finished with a double.
Lock Flament was named official man of the match. It takes something to outshine Dupont and his French colleagues, but Capuozzo was the best player on the field in this writer's opinion. Toulouse led 42-0 at halftime. The scoreboard had a hard time keeping pace from the kickoff. Toulouse are a Galacticos team, the rugby equivalent of Real Madrid, but this was a strong Leicester packed with England and Wales internationals, including the returning Ollie Chessum.
Michael Cheika's Tigers were simply impressed. The only positive thing is that they had already qualified for the round of 16 of the Champions Cup before arriving in France.
Thibaud Flament was named man of the match in Toulouse's great performance against Leicester
Jack Willis also managed to make a big impact during a magnificent performance in Toulouse.
Leicester manager Michael Cheika said the performance hurt him personally
“I feel extremely disappointed,” said Cheika, the dismayed Leicester manager.
“We had a great opportunity to come here against the European champions and get stuck in, but we didn't do it. It's as simple as that. I had a lot of self-reflection after that.
“It hurts me personally.”
Cheika denied that the huge difference in playing budgets between the two teams was a factor.
“The team is a reflection of how I prepare it and I need to improve as a coach,” he said.
'There is no excuse. They (Toulouse) are a great club. We are a good club. “We need to be a great club again.”
Leicester captain Julián Montoya said: “I want to apologize to the fans. The support was incredible. It's a really dark day for us. I'm disappointed.
“Toulouse doesn't forgive you if you make a mistake.”
Leicester captain Julián Montoya apologized to the club's fans after the match
Impressive Ange Capuozzo dives to score a try during Toulouse's victory
The Stade Ernest Wallon is one of the best places on the planet to watch rugby and was packed with noise on Sunday. Toulouse's fanatical followers are used to success both in Europe and in the TOP14 and to having the best players in the world on their team.
But this was a performance from another level, from another world, in fact. It showed that Toulouse are firm favorites to retain the Champions Cup, even if Leinster and Bordeaux will be rivals to them. It also showed that France will make some stops in the Six Nations with their Toulouse contingent in this kind of form.
If it had been a youth match, it would have been suspended at half-time, given the one-sided nature of the match. Leicester weren't necessarily bad. For long periods, they weren't even in the contest, even if they managed two consolation attempts.
Toulouse's true brilliance can perhaps best be summed up by his ability to go full speed out of nowhere. His link-up play between defenders and forwards is simply magnificent.
Like a hot knife through butter, they seem to be able to tear even the most organized defenses to shreds, almost of their own volition.
“It's a great pleasure to play in this team, especially with these forwards,” Toulouse and France captain Dupont, arguably the best player in the world, told Mail Sport.
'They have the same skills as the backs. But they shouldn't forget their first jobs! If they do, we can really enjoy the rest of the season.
“We played a very, very good game.”
Leicester were outplayed by Toulouse and will be disappointed with their performance.
Ugo Mola was satisfied with the performance of his Toulouse players
Capuozzo said: 'It was a beautiful evening, very, very satisfying. It's great to finish first in the group, but we know our ultimate goal. It's always fun to play these types of games.”
Ugo Mola runs the Toulouse operation, which is the envy of the rugby world. “Have a good night,” said Mola, saying goodbye at the end of his post-match press conference with a broad smile. He and his Toulouse players (unlike Leicester) certainly had something to cheer about.