In a thrilling showdown at Stade Mayol, Toulon triumphed over the Saracens with a stunning score of 72-42 in the Champions Cup round of 16 on Saturday, April 5, 2025. This victory marks Toulon's return to the quarter-finals of the prestigious tournament for the first time in ten years, reigniting hopes of glory reminiscent of their three consecutive titles from 2013 to 2015.
The match started with a bang as the Saracens quickly asserted their dominance, with Gonzalez scoring in the 4th minute. Toulon responded almost immediately, with Wainiqolo crossing the line just two minutes later. However, the Saracens, despite resting several key international players, including Maro Itoje and Jamie George, showcased their resilience, scoring four tries within a mere 23 minutes. Tompkins, Hartley, Gonzalez again, and Van Zyl all contributed to a commanding lead, pushing the score to 35-18.
As the first half drew to a close, Toulon managed to claw back some momentum, with Isa and Jaminet scoring before halftime, reducing the deficit to 27-35. "We were dead at warm-up," lamented Jérémy Sinzelle, reflecting on the team's sluggish start. The halftime talk from manager Pierre Mignoni clearly resonated, as Toulon emerged revitalized for the second half.
The second period was a different story altogether. The Toulon squad, fueled by the energy of the home crowd, unleashed a spectacular performance, scoring seven tries in total. Facundo Isa, marking his 150th appearance for the club, made a significant impact by scoring a hat-trick, including two tries within four minutes around the 56th minute. His relentless drive and skill were pivotal in turning the tide in Toulon's favor.
Melvyn Jaminet, who had been suspended earlier in the season, made a remarkable return, contributing significantly to the scoreboard with a total of 32 points in the match. His performance was a testament to his resilience and determination to make an impact after facing challenges off the field. "We’ve given ourselves the right to host in the knockout stage, which is very exciting for this team and quite new," Mignoni expressed post-match, highlighting the team's journey back to the top.
As the match progressed, the Saracens struggled to keep pace, clearly exhausted and lacking depth on the bench. Despite a late try from the young hooker Hadfield, the Saracens could not recover from Toulon’s onslaught. With further tries from Baptiste Serin and Setariki Tuicuvu, the final whistle confirmed a resounding victory for Toulon at 72-42.
Looking ahead, Toulon is set to face the winner of the upcoming clash between Stade Toulousain and Sale in the quarter-finals, with that match scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2025. The anticipation is palpable as fans hope for a classic showdown against their rivals from Toulouse.
In addition to the victory, Toulon made headlines this week by officially signing Patrick Tuifua to a three-year contract. The promising young player, who has represented France at the under-20 level, is expected to bolster Toulon’s squad as they aim for further success in the Champions Cup and Top 14.
As the rugby season progresses, Toulon’s resurgence is a story of determination and teamwork. The players have shown they can overcome adversity and rise to the occasion, making them a formidable force in the competition. With their eyes set on the quarter-finals, the RCT is ready to embrace the challenges ahead, fueled by the passion of their loyal supporters.
