In a thrilling encounter at Stade Mayol, RC Toulon staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Saracens 72-42 in the Champions Cup quarter-finals on April 5, 2025. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing both teams' attacking prowess, with a staggering total of 114 points scored and 16 tries in the contest.
The game started poorly for Toulon, who found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 35-13 after just 30 minutes. The Saracens, despite fielding a team missing several key players, including Maro Itoje and Jamie George, capitalized on Toulon's defensive lapses to score five tries in the first half. Olly Hartley, Juan Martin Gonzalez, and Ivan Vanzyl were among the try-scorers for the English side, who looked to be in control.
However, the tide began to turn just before halftime. Facundo Isa scored a crucial try in the 36th minute, followed by Melvyn Jaminet's effort just before the break, narrowing the gap to 35-27. "We were sleeping. We were dead in the warm-up. No gas. Shitty start. We will have to wake up quickly," said Toulon's Jeremy Sinzelle during the halftime interview with beIN Sports, reflecting the team's initial struggles.
As the second half commenced, Toulon emerged with a renewed sense of purpose. They adopted a straightforward strategy, focusing on physicality and ball possession, which eventually paid off handsomely. The Saracens, who had started the match strongly, began to falter under the pressure, conceding a staggering 59 points in the second half.
Isa showcased his talent, scoring a hat trick, with his third try coming at the 56th minute, marking Toulon's first lead of the match at 39-35. The Varois continued to dominate, with Jaminet, Wainiqolo, and Fainga'anuku also crossing the line to seal the victory. "We have regained our calm, and it showed from the end of the first half. We were all angry," said Jaminet, acknowledging the team’s transformation.
The final score of 72-42 not only highlighted Toulon's attacking capabilities but also raised questions about Saracens' defensive structure, especially after leading by 22 points earlier in the game. Toulon coach Pierre Mignoni expressed his frustration with the first half, stating, "These 35 points are not acceptable," but was pleased with the response in the second half.
The match was a stark contrast to the previous day's results, where Clermont suffered a disappointing 46-24 defeat to Northampton, losing their chance to advance in the Champions Cup. The outcome left Clermont's fans disheartened, especially with the potential end of Fritz Lee's career due to injury.
As Toulon celebrated their victory, they looked ahead to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the upcoming match between Toulouse and Sale. The anticipation builds as fans wonder which Toulon team will show up in the next round—a team that can be beaten by anyone or one that can beat anyone.
With the Champions Cup resuming after a break for the Top 14, Toulon’s impressive performance has reignited hopes among their supporters. The team will need to maintain their focus and intensity as they prepare for the next challenge. Mignoni emphasized the importance of consistency, saying, "We saw two teams from Toulon today. We need to find a balance and cannot afford to repeat the performance in the quarter-finals next week. If we can start strong, it will help us immensely."
As the rugby world turns its attention to the remaining Champions Cup fixtures, the excitement around Toulon's journey continues to grow. With their attacking flair on full display, they have proven that they can overcome adversity and deliver spectacular performances when it matters most.
In the backdrop of this thrilling match, other fixtures were also ongoing, including Leinster's clash with Harlequins and Castres facing Treviso. The Champions Cup has once again delivered exciting rugby, captivating fans across Europe.
As the dust settles on this high-scoring affair, Toulon’s players and fans will undoubtedly relish the moment, but the focus will quickly shift to the next challenge. The stakes are higher in the quarter-finals, and Toulon aims to carry their momentum forward, proving they are a force to be reckoned with in European rugby.
