On Sunday, Toulouse triumphed 13-9 over Stade Français at the Jean Bouin Stadium in Paris during the Top 14 league clash known as the "Classique". This match was significant as Toulouse, the reigning champions, were missing several international players who were away for the Six Nations Tournament, yet they managed to secure a vital victory. This win allows Toulouse to increase their lead at the top of the Top 14 standings, now sitting at 62 points, 11 ahead of their closest rivals, Section Paloise.

The match showcased an intense atmosphere where Stade Français started strong, applying pressure on the Toulouse side right from the outset. Despite their aggressive play, Toulouse struggled with the early intensity set by their opponents. However, as the match progressed, Toulouse demonstrated resilience, adjusting their strategy and regaining control, eventually securing the win in the face of stiff competition. The game's close scoreline reflects the competitive nature of the encounter and the improvement shown by Stade Français despite the loss.

This victory continues to underline Toulouse's dominance in the Top 14, particularly as they manage to secure wins even when faced with challenges such as missing international players. As the season progresses, the navigation through player absences will be crucial for Toulouse’s campaign, especially with the upcoming rounds of the league and the looming playoffs. The resilience shown in this "Classique" could be a promising sign as they aim for back-to-back championships.