It's a fact, the RCT had not played a final phase match in the European Cup since March 31, 2018 and a defeat at Munster*. So, even if the Toulonnais were already qualified at the start of their last group match in Sale this Sunday, they have, despite the defeat (7-33), officially booked their ticket for the round of 16. And this is not insignificant, as this team seems to be progressing since last season.
The group stage completed, Pierre Mignoni agreed to speak for Var-matin: first assessment, reception at Mayol, future opponent, the manager responds.
After the elimination and zero points last season, Toulon is qualified for the eighth. What assessment do you draw from this group stage?
The bottom line is that we are a team in progress. Managing to finish first in a group as close as ours is quite satisfying. We should not only remember the Sale match even if, obviously, in the heat of the moment, it is not easy. After last year's failure, this time we're doing three out of four [une victoire aux Stormers, en Afrique du Sud, et deux succès à Mayol face à Glasgow et aux Harlequins, Ndlr]. It's encouraging. Especially since by finishing first, we gave ourselves the right to compete in eighth at home, in Mayol. And that’s great for our audience.
But also to play, in the event of victory, the quarter-final at home…
We actually gave ourselves that right. If we pass, we will play the quarter at home. We put ourselves in the conditions to experience an adventure. Now you have to live it to the fullest. And above all, don't suffer it like we did in this last Sale match. I am convinced that we can do it. But we are first, all the same. You have to be very positive with that. When I see the room for progress we have, I tell myself that there is still a lot of work.
You talk about room for improvement. Is it annoying, from your position as coach, to see the room for improvement of your players? Would you like everything to go faster?
-I see the potential this team has. I've been saying it from the start. But you also have to go through matches like this to understand. I see it as a very good preparation match for Sunday against La Rochelle. It’s the same style of team. Despite everything, despite the defeat, it's still a good thing that we broke our noses today.
By finishing fourth best, Toulon inherited Saracens. What was your first reaction?
I think it's a great poster. Honestly, Saracens, I haven't watched them too much yet this season. But now that we know that they are our adversaries, we will have time to analyze them. In any case, it remains a hell of a match. We'll start with them… and I'm very happy that this eighth will be played at Mayol.
A poster that will bring back good memories to Toulon supporters…
I hope! In any case, Saracens, in Toulon, are talking. We have to take advantage of it. It's not easy to finish first, we did it. So now it's up to us to improve it. But I feel something is happening. And the really good one is going to happen. We must continue.
*If we except the setback on the green carpet against Leinster (0-28), during the 2020-2021 season hit by Covid.
