Dan Biggar's Toulon sweep aside Challenge Cup champs Lyon
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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Hard to disagree with the 5 points - with the exception that Wilson should be a squad member but, depending on the other loose forward selections, is not yet a shoo-in. McReight is. Aussie is looking a lot better this year and JS has some selection options. Also, Havili’s tendency to get caught, charged down is also a liability at times but he seemed focused (mostly) and is definitely a consideration for utility back-up. Still feel Reihana is a better prospect at 1st five for Saders.
Go to commentsThink it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
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