Weakened Bradford Bulls left with simple equation to avoid finishing bottom
Improving Toulouse ran in five tries to leave Bradford rooted to the bottom of the Betfred Super League with a 28-18 win at the Stade Ernest-Wallon.
The injury-hit Bulls travelled to France hoping for a win to kick-start their campaign but were up against it after Paul Ulberg and Luke Polselli crossed in the opening quarter of an hour.
Nevertheless, Kurt Haggerty’s men responded well and reduced the deficit to just four points after Riley Dean’s offload sent Chris Atkin over for their opening score and Luke Hooley kicked the conversion.
John Toleafoa scored Toulouse’s third try to ensure they went in at the break 10 points clear but Bradford hit back again just before the hour mark after Andy Ackers capitalised on a series of repeat sets.
The Bulls were back in it but Toulouse stepped up a gear and proceeded to pull further clear through further tries from Mathieu Jussaume and Rodrigo Tropis, with Cesar Rouge kicking four goals for the home side.
Bradford continued to battle until the end and they got their reward on the final hooter when Alfie Leake scored his first try for the club, Hooley’s conversion taking the Bulls back within 10.
Toulouse’s win sent them within touching distance of French rivals Catalans Dragons, while Bradford know they realistically need something from each of their last two games against Castleford and York to avoid bottom spot.