INTERIM coach Andy Last described Hull FC’s first-half performance at Toulouse Olympique as their “worst 40 minutes of the season.”

Hull were 30-0 down at the break after being torn to shreds by Toulouse, before a more encouraging second half brought a 44-30 defeat.

“We just didn’t get into the game,” said Last. “We gave away cheap ball and weren’t prepared to defend.

“We spoke all week about TBA – team-based actions – things like keep chasing and keep pressing.

“Toulouse, when they are hot and confident, play an expansive brand and we just weren’t at the races in the first 40.

“At half-time I asked the players to get back to basics. In the first half they had 61 percent of the play so it’s not surprising they were on top, but in the second half we fatigued them a bit and when you do that you can score some points but it was too little, too late.

“There was unbelievable travelling support from the Black and Whites and the team thanked them for their support, but the performance was way off. Mentality-wise, you’ve got to turn up, but today we didn’t.”

Sylvain Houles was far more happy after seeing Toulouse’s tenth win of the season.

He said: “It was a good first half, and it’s not easy to accelerate (in the second half) when you’ve done so well before.

“They worried us, scoring 18 points, but honestly we showed character to hold them and it’s difficult to criticise this brilliant group of players.

“It was another big game for the club in front of a big crowd who were treated to a good performance and it sets things up well for next season.

“We will go to Warrington (next Friday) expecting to win. The mentality is great and I’m confident whichever players are selected will do the job.”