Mission accomplished for Toulon. The RCT scored this Sunday at Mayol against Harlequins a third success in three matches in this group stage of the Champions Cup (33-21). Better still, the Varois added panache by landing a guaranteed offensive bonus from the first period thanks to four tries scored including one from scrum half Baptiste Serin (25th). Thanks to this improved success, Toulon qualifies, takes the sole lead in Pool D and ensures its place in the quarter-finals.
A job done quickly and well done. In the space of one half, the RCT ensured both the victory of the match with a more than comfortable lead at the break of 26 points, the offensive bonus with four tries scored and a large dose of confidence with 0 points collected. Except for an action magnificently saved by Dave Ribbans at the end of the line on Cadan Murley (8th), the Harlequins were generally reduced to helplessness in this first act. An almost perfect copy launched from the first seconds of play by a strong try from Italian hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi (2nd).
To the power of a dominant forward pack, the RCT was able to add a dose of speed and link in the running game thanks in particular to its scrum half in great shape Baptiste Serin.
A wake-up call too late for the Harlequins
For five minutes, the Harlequins believed they could revive in the second half with two tries in quick succession (51st, 55th). A hope quickly dashed. Toulon’s last scorer of the first period (40th+2), the Fijian Jiuta Wainiqolo became a decisive passer in the second half for the inevitable Gaël Drean (57th), elusive in the middle of four defenders to score his eleventh try of the season all competitions combined.
The only one for Toulon in a less successful second period, everything having already been validated beforehand. Guaranteed to receive the round of 16 at Mayol, the RCT will play for first place in its group next Sunday at Sale with the hope of continuing its unbeaten streak in the European Cup and opening a royal path for the future. of the competition.
