Road to Marseille: RC Toulon
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As three-time runners-up RC Toulon bid to make it fourth-time lucky in the EPCR Challenge Cup final, we look back at how they set up their showdown with Lyon at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille on May 27.
Round 2: RC Toulon 28 Zebre 14
After sitting out the first round, Toulon opened their Pool A campaign with a solid bonus-point victory at home to Italian side Zebre. The three-time European champions’ tries came from Emerick Setiano and Quinn Roux in the first half, plus Baptiste Serin and a penalty try after the break. Zebre replied through Asaeli Tuivuaka and Jacopo Bianchi.
Round 3: Worcester Warriors 23 RC Toulon 34
Toulon survived a late Worcester rally to make it wins from two matches. Tries from Cornell Du Preez and Facundo Isa, plus seven points from Anthony Belleau’s boot, put Toulon 17-9 ahead at the break. Gabin Villiere and Lopeti Timan went over in the second half as Belleau doubled his kicking tally. Duhan Van Der Merwe and Harri Doe then replied for Worcester, Fin Smith slotting 13 points.
Round 4: RC Toulon 28 Newcastle Falcons 0
Toulon were awarded a 28-0 bonus-point victory amid Newcastle suffering coronavirus difficulties.
Round 5: Biarritz Olympique 20 RC Toulon 17
Toulon finished top of Pool A despite losing a thrilling clash with Biarritz. Having led 12-0 in the first half, Biarritz had to rally from 17-12 to claim the spoils. Biarritz bagged tries from Steeve Barry, Henry Speight and Tevita Kuridrani, with Gilles Bosch kicking the winning penalty. In between, Toulon had taken the lead thanks to four Anthony Belleau penalties and a try from Thomas Salles.
That feeling when you're heading to Marseille with @CharlesOllivon 🎉
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) May 20, 2022
Buy your tickets for finals weekend now ➡️ https://t.co/3uIan1gutW#ChallengeCupRugby pic.twitter.com/BBuR27Mj8e
Round of 16: RC Toulon 36 Benetton Rugby 17
Toulon finished strongly to defeat Benetton Rugby 36-17 after the sides had briefly been level in the second half. Tries from Gabin Villiere and Charles Ollivon helped put Toulon 17-3 ahead, Benetton levelling through Tommaso Menoncello and Monty Ioane plus seven points from Rhyno Smith. Louis Carbonel kicked 21 points for Toulon, whose victory was confirmed by Jules Coulon’s late try.
Quarter-finals: RC Toulon 19 London Irish 18
Toulon held on to deny London Irish in a dramatic finish at Stade Félix Mayol. Henry Arundell’s superb late solo try put Irish within a point of their hosts, but Paddy Jackson could not convert from wide out. The visitors led 10-6 at half-time, with Albert Tuisue going over. Louis Carbonel’s kicking again proved crucial as he slotted 14 points, including converting Charles Ollivon’s try.
Semi-finals: RC Toulon 25 Saracens 16
A stunning Jiuta Naqoli Wainiqolo try earned Toulon victory over Saracens in a bruising encounter. Wainiqolo beat a series of defenders to score on the hour mark, with Louis Carbonel converting for 25-16. Gabin Villière also crossed twice for Toulon, Carbonel finishing with 11 points. Saracens’ Owen Farrell matched Carbonel’s tally with the boot, while Ben Earl charged down a clearance to score the visitors’ try.
