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Dan Biggar's Toulon sweep aside Challenge Cup champs Lyon
By Ian Cameron
In an impressive display at the Stade Félix Mayol, RC Toulon secured a spot in the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a commanding 48-23 victory over defending champions Lyon on Saturday. Toulon proved to be the superior team throughout the match, crossing the try line seven times.
Lyon started the game brightly and took the lead with two Lima Sopoaga penalties, but Toulon responded quickly with a penalty from Ihaia West. Despite a lively opening period, the game lacked for meaningful try-scoring opportunities until Baptise Serin took a quick penalty and kicked forward for Jiuta Wainiqolo to score Toulon's first try in the 29th minute.
Just before halftime, Toulon took further control of the game with two tries from lineout mauls. Hooker Teddy Baubigny scored the first, followed by prop Dany Priso who powered over the line to put Toulon in a commanding position at the break.
Toulon's physical runners continued to cause Lyon problems in the second half. Waisea Vuidravuwalu crossed the try line from close range on 49 minutes, followed by Charles Ollivon who scored shortly after. Despite a try from replacement scrum-half Baptiste Couilloud on 61 minutes, Wainiqolo hit back with his second try to put Toulon firmly in control.
Although Lyon's full-back Toby Arnold scored a second try for the visitors on 71 minutes, it was far too late for a comeback. Toulon sealed their impressive victory with a late try from wing Aymeric Luc, who took advantage of a mistake by Thibaut Regard.
Dan Biggar - who had came on in the 61st minute for West - slotted the conversion.
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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