In a thrilling encounter at the Pierre-Fabre stadium on March 29, 2025, Castres Olympique edged out RC Toulon 28-26 in a closely contested match during the 20th round of the Top 14. This victory is a significant boost for Castres in their quest for a top-six finish, crucial for qualification to the knockout stages of the French championship.
The match kicked off at 21:05, with both teams aiming to solidify their standings in the league. Castres entered the game in 7th place with 44 points, while Toulon was comfortably sitting in 3rd with 62 points, having won four out of their last five matches. The stakes were high, especially for Castres, who had not tasted victory in their previous two outings.
The first half was a rollercoaster, featuring five tries and a flurry of action. Toulon opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Coulon capitalized on a misplay by Castres’ Botitu, sprinting down the left to score the first try. However, Castres responded swiftly; just two minutes later, Arata showcased his individual brilliance, breaking through the Toulon defense to score and level the match.
Castres continued to press, with Botitu redeeming himself by scoring another try in the 29th minute, putting the home side ahead. But Toulon was not to be outdone; they struck back in the 32nd minute when Gianmarco Lucchesi scored their second try, narrowing the gap to 17-14. Just before halftime, Ambadiang extended Castres' lead with a try in the 36th minute, sending the teams into the break with Castres leading 24-14.
As the second half commenced, the match took on a different tone. Toulon, bolstered by their substitutes, including the legendary Ma'a Nonu, who made his return at 42 years old, began to assert themselves. Nonu replaced Gabin Villière in the 59th minute and quickly made an impact, assisting Jiuta Wainiqolo's try in the 61st minute, bringing the score to 24-21.
Despite their resurgence, Toulon struggled with defensive lapses that had haunted them throughout the match. Castres' Louis Le Brun was in fine form, contributing significantly with his kicking, successfully converting five out of seven attempts and scoring 13 points overall.
Wainiqolo was not finished yet; he scored his second try in the 73rd minute, bringing the score to a nail-biting 28-26. However, Toulon’s hopes of a comeback were dashed when Jules Danglot's last-minute try was disallowed due to a forward pass, leaving the Toulon players and fans in disbelief.
As the final whistle blew, Castres celebrated a hard-fought victory, climbing to 5th place in the standings with 48 points, while Toulon remained in 3rd with 63 points but missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on the teams above them.
Ma'a Nonu's return was a highlight of the match, marking his status as the oldest player to participate in the Top 14. His experience and skill were evident as he played a pivotal role in Toulon's attack. Nonu's presence on the field not only inspired his teammates but also captivated fans, adding a layer of excitement to the match.
Both teams showcased their attacking prowess, but defensive frailties were evident. Castres and Toulon combined for five tries in the first half alone, a testament to the offensive capabilities of both squads. However, the match also highlighted the need for better defensive organization as both teams allowed too many scoring opportunities.
In the end, Castres' victory is a significant milestone in their campaign, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Meanwhile, Toulon will need to regroup quickly as they prepare to face Clermont in their upcoming match, hoping to bounce back and regain their momentum.
This match will be remembered not just for the scoreline but for the drama, the comebacks, and the return of a rugby legend in Ma'a Nonu. As the Top 14 season progresses, every match is crucial, and this encounter between Castres and Toulon exemplified the intensity and excitement of French rugby.
With the playoffs on the horizon, both teams will be looking to refine their strategies and solidify their positions as they strive for glory in the Top 14.
