The Varois won with the bonus this Sunday against the Quins (33-21), validating their ticket for the round of 16 before the last day.
TOPS
The European revenge of the Toulonnais
Last year, they missed out completely in the Champions Cup, recording zero points in four days. This year, with their success this Sunday against Harlequins (33-21), the Toulonnais signed a flawless performance in three days. A nice revenge, but above all the confirmation of the rise in power of the RCT, third in the Top 14. The Rouge et Noir are guaranteed to compete in the round of 16 and they can even, in the event of success against the Sharks of Sale during the fourth day, consolidate their first place in group 4 (they are in the fight with Glasgow who will go to Harlequins). To offer their loyal audience a round of 16 at Mayol?
Serin and Abadie as boss, Domon shines
The matches follow one another and he strings together great performances. This Sunday, Baptiste Serin once again guided the RCT with his knowledge of the game (34 m gained, 11 tackles). The international scrum-half even scored his team’s second try, coming out of a regroupment after a superb postman’s feint. Many wonder why he is not called up more often for the France team, where competition is tough for the scrum half position (Dupont, Le Garrec, Lucu). Response from Fabien Galthié on Wednesday.
Another strong man from Toulon, Esteban Abadie – who returned to the field at the beginning of January after a calf injury – also stood out against the Quins (31 m covered, 6 tackles, only one miss). Tireless fighter, poison in the rucks, valuable in the relay, the former Briviste keeps coming up with big matches. Logically elected man of the match. Also included is full-back Marius Domon, who was solid at the back. Sharp restarts (36 m gained, 2 defenders beaten) and, more impressive, a big presence in defense (6 tackles), like this scratched ball (29th) and this cutting on Green (46th). In the absence of Melvyn Jaminet, the young full-back (22 years old) rose to the occasion.
The iron defense of the RCT
Harlequins are known for being very playful, attempting shots from all four corners of the pitch. This was again the case on Sunday at Mayol, there was no deception on the merchandise. Except that opposite, the defense of RC Toulon was remarkable, it regularly stopped the attacks of the Londoners. And stood up despite the incessant waves that swept over Toulon. Certainly, there was a relaxation (and a few scares) at the start of the second half when the Londoners scored two tries. But Pierre Mignoni’s players were able to put back the barbed wire and increase their level of aggression. Solid.
FLOPS
The expensive Chisholm box
We say it again and again: at this level of competition, indiscipline is very costly. And the yellow card received by James Chisholm, in the 36th minute for an elbow charge on Baptiste Serin, precipitated the fall of his team. During his absence, the Quins conceded two tries by Abadie (37th) and Wainiqolo (40th+1). His team, already suffering from a severe lack of realism despite numerous offensives, did not need that.
Quins in the tough
Certainly, it’s a playful team. But for what yield? The Harlequins never stopped playing, restarting, attempting shots at Mayol. For an ultimately very meager result. Semi-finalists last year (defeat against Toulouse 38-26), the English are off to a bad start in this 2024-2025 campaign with two defeats against French clubs (Racing 92 and therefore Toulon) and a victory against the South Stormers. Africans. Next Saturday, it’s a double or double match that they will play at home against Glasgow, second in this group 4 neck and neck with Toulon. In the Premiership, it’s not much more exciting, Marcus Smith’s team is only seventh out of ten, with a negative record (four wins for one draw and five defeats).
