Toulon went on to win 17-12 on the lawn of the Stade Français.
Stunning victory for the RCT on Parisian soil. The first for the Varois at Jean-Bouin since 2017. Trailing 9-0 at the break, Franck Azéma’s men turned the tide on their return from the locker room to finally win 17-12.
A stunning scenario but a very unexciting game, especially in the first period. The first 40 minutes are marked by the incessant whistles of Mr. Cayre, forced to sanction indiscipline on both sides. Particularly that of the Varois, regularly penalized in the scrum and on the ruck phases. Clumsy Toulonnais also like Gabin Villière, very discreet for his return or Aymeric Luc, in difficulty on high balls. What to offer several penalties to Ile-de-France residents who are not asked to punish the approximations of the men of Franck Azéma. Joris Segonds is responsible for executing the sentences and quickly offers a nine-point lead to the Parisians. Nothing else to report in this first act which will certainly not remain in the history of the Top 14.
Paris grabs the defensive bonus in extremis
The start of the second period is not much more pleasing and the faults continue to abound on the lawn of the Stade Jean-Bouin. And you have to wait for the 55e minute to witness a clearing in this meeting. A spark ignited by Beka Gigashvili, the Toulon prop who first pierced the Stade Français defense before concluding a powerful phase of play near the in-goal. A first try which will really start the match of the red and black while the Parisians find themselves at 14 after the yellow card of Giorgi Melikitze. Visitors take the opportunity to definitely take the upper hand. 10 minutes later, Facundo Isa will register the second Toulon try at the end of a long sequence.
Harmless, the Parisians will not leave the lawn empty-handed, however, since a final penalty from Joris Segonds will allow them to grab the defensive bonus in extremis. Small consolation for the men of Gonzalo Quesada who miss the opportunity to climb on the podium. The Toulonnais return to one point behind the Parisians in the 5the place.