TOULON FINISHED STRONGLY to ensure a bonus-point 32-20 win against Exeter Chiefs at the Stade Mayol in Pool 2 of the Heineken Cup.
In perfect conditions on the Mediterranean coast, Bernard Laporte’s men had to work hard for 60 minutes, before the Premiership side faded in the closing stages at the hands of Toulon’s power. This win moves the Top 14 side back to the top of the group, with the visit of the Cardiff Blues and a trip to Glasgow still to come.
Toulon led just 15-10 at the break after an unconvincing opening half. Dynamic wing David Smith gave the reigning Heineken Cup champions an 11th-minute lead, although out-half Matt Giteau missed the extras. Exeter bounced back almost immediately though, when Don Armand finished off a superb team try for a 7-5 lead, after Henry Slade had converted.
Toulon went back into the lead in controversial circumstances, with Giteau’s scoring pass to wing Smith looking distinctly forward. However, TMO Dermot Moloney and referee John Lacey felt there was nothing wrong with the Australian’s assist and the try stood.
Giteau and Slade contributed a penalty apiece before the interval, when Toulon left the pitch a scattering of boos after a disjointed first 40 minutes. Both out-halves added their second penalties early in the second half, before Toulon turned on the power with 20 minutes left.
Xavier Chiocci touched down after a searing line break by Drew Mitchell, who had taken an inside pass from Jonny Wilkinson. Toulon’s excellent line-out had laid the foundation for what was an excellent try, and the former England international – on as a substitute – had an even greater impact soon after Giteau had converted.
Wilkinson got on the end of a pacy attack to score just underneath the posts in the 70th minute, after build-up play that was Toulon’s most impressive of the afternoon. Giteau was involved in the accurate passing and the Australian then slotted his third conversion of the game to put Toulon out to 32-13.
Exeter are nothing if not spirited though, and their persistence was rewarded when replacement Ben White crossed to touch down in the 77th minute. Former Wales international Ceri Sweeney added on the two points, but they were little consolation for the Chiefs. Rob Baxter’s men did impress in patches again, but couldn’t cope with the Toulon machine kicking into life briefly in the second half.
It was far from perfect for Toulon, but these five points put them in an excellent position to go on and claim a home quarter-final. Laporte will be aware that his side need to continue their recent improvement if they are to retain their title this season.
