In a thrilling encounter that showcased the resilience and skill of RC Toulon, Argentina No 8 Facundo Isa scored a sensational hat-trick on his 150th club appearance, propelling Toulon to a remarkable 72-42 victory over Saracens in the Round of 16 of the Investec Champions Cup on April 5, 2025. This high-scoring match, held in the sunny ambiance of Stade Félix Mayol, saw Toulon fight back from a daunting 22-point deficit to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Isa’s hat-trick was achieved within a stunning 24-minute period, which proved pivotal in turning the tide for Toulon. Saracens had initially established a commanding lead, going ahead 35-13 just after the half-hour mark, with impressive early tries from Juan Martin Gonzalez, Nick Tompkins, Olly Hartley, and Ivan van Zyl. Despite fielding a significantly altered squad, resting several England internationals, Saracens looked in control during the opening stages of the match.
However, the hosts began their comeback when Isa crashed over for his first try just five minutes before the break. This was a crucial moment, as it shifted the momentum and allowed Toulon to close the gap. France full-back Melvyn Jaminet, who had a stellar performance scoring 32 points, including two of Toulon’s ten tries, also crossed the line and converted his own try, bringing the score to 35-27 at halftime.
The second half saw Toulon come out with renewed vigor. Isa quickly added his second try after 56 minutes, giving the home side their first lead of the match at 42-35. He completed his hat-trick on the hour mark, further extending Toulon’s advantage. The scoring frenzy continued as Samoa lock Brian Alainu'uese, New Zealand centre Leicester Fainga'anuku, France scrum-half Baptiste Serin, and Fiji full-back Setariki Tuicuvu all contributed to the scoreboard, culminating in an astonishing ten tries for Toulon.
This match not only highlighted Toulon’s attacking prowess but also marked their first progression to the Champions Cup quarter-finals since 2018. The 114 points scored in the game became the second highest in the tournament's history, only surpassed by the legendary 124 points scored by Toulouse and Ebbw Vales back in 1998.
Looking ahead, Toulon is set to host either the reigning champions Toulouse or Sale, who are scheduled to clash on Sunday. This upcoming quarter-final promises to be another exciting chapter in Toulon’s journey through the tournament.
Meanwhile, in other matches on the same day, Munster faced La Rochelle in another Round of 16 clash. Munster captain Peter O’Mahony made his return to action for this high-stakes match, which marked Munster's first competitive meeting with the reigning European champions. O’Mahony, who last played for Ireland in the Six Nations against Italy on March 15, joined a dynamic back row alongside Gavin Coombes and John Hodnett, who returned from a thigh injury.
Head coach Graham Rowntree made several strategic changes in the lineup, including the return of Jean Kleyn to the second row and Thaakir Abrahams at fullback, marking his first appearance since December due to a shoulder injury. Sean O’Brien stepped in for the suspended Alex Nankivell, who received a red card in the previous match against Connacht.
La Rochelle, coached by Munster legend Ronan O’Gara, has been struggling with form, recording seven defeats and a draw in their last eight matches. However, the return of experienced scrum-half Tawera Kerr-Barlow provided a much-needed boost as they aimed to reclaim their championship pedigree on home soil.
The Investec Champions Cup playoffs kicked off on April 4, 2025, with Northampton Saints securing a decisive 46-24 victory over Clermont Rugby. The remaining matches of the Round of 16 are scheduled for April 5-6, with the quarter-finals set to take place from April 11-13.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eagerly anticipating the quarter-finals, which promise to deliver more nail-biting action. The Champions Cup Final is slated for May 24, 2025, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, where the best teams in Europe will vie for the prestigious title.
