RC Toulon solidified its standing at the top of the Top 14 rankings after defeating Stade Français with a decisive score of 24-6 on February 22, 2025, at Stade Félix Mayol. This victory marks Toulon’s ninth home win of the season, showcasing their strong defensive capabilities alongside remarkable offensive play.
The match began with the Stade Français demonstrating palpable energy, determined to make their mark. They quickly gained the upper hand when Henry converted his first penalty kick at the 21st minute, bringing the score to 3-0. Just moments later, he successfully added three more points, extending the lead to 6-0 by the 29th minute.
Despite Stade Français' strong start, Toulon began to find their rhythm midway through the first half. The turning point came when Jiuta Wainiqolo, who displayed agility and skill, scored the team's first try after breaking through the Parisian defense, which had become too static. This moment ignited the home crowd, and Enzo Hervé's conversion attempt brought Toulon back to life, leading 7-6. The first half saw Wainiqolo shine again, catching Serin's clever pass and scoring just before halftime, elevATING Toulon to 14-6.
The second half opened with Stade Français attempting to regain lost ground. Yet, Toulon exhibited resilience and composure under pressure. Hervé's penalty at the 54th minute pushed the score to 17-6, amplifying the advantage for the hosts. The game continued to develop defensively, with both sides focused on gaining territory, but Stade Français struggled to convert their efforts against Toulon’s organized defense.
Stade Français faced adversity as Azagoh received a yellow card for collapsing a maul, which directly resulted in Toulon being awarded a penalty try shortly after. The final score of 24-6 reflected not just the teams’ performances but also Toulon's dominance at home, where they remain unbeaten this season.
This match also conducted an emotional tribute to the late Christophe Dominici, the former French rugby star who has left a lasting impact on both the RC Toulon and Stade Français clubs. A minute of applause was held prior to kickoff, honoring his legacy as well as Aldo Gurarin, another rugby legend who passed away recently.
Sitting temporarily at the top of the Top 14 standings, Toulon's latest victory puts them under pressure to maintain their position as leading contenders, especially with the upcoming matches featuring competing teams like Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Stade Toulousain. Conversely, Stade Français’ defeat places them at the bottom of the league, marking another challenging season for the Parisian club.
With emotions still running high from their win, the RCT looks forward with determination as they aim to continue their strong form and pursue greater achievements this season.