In bad shape in the league a few weeks ago and close to the relegation zone, Toulon continued its march forward this Saturday, beating Clermont at home (32-22).
This victory, its third in its last four matches, after Biarritz (17-45) and La Rochelle (41-11), and its fourth in a row at Mayol, allows Franck Azéma's team to afford a thrilling end to the season.
What you must remember
While he still has five matches left in this regular phase of the championship, Toulon has temporarily moved up to ninth place, behind his opponent of the day, and is now 5 points from the qualifying zone and sixth, Racing 92, who are currently facing La Rochelle away from home.
With a twelve-point lead at the break, thanks to powerful tries from Eban Etzebeth (15th), his South African world champion, and Jean-Baptiste Gros (43rd), winner of the Grand Slam with the XV de France, Toulon quickly got the better of a much too undisciplined Clermont team with 5 penalties conceded after 17 minutes.
Despite an interesting animation from Morgan Parra and a try from Jean-Pascal Barraque (25th), Jono Gibbes' players suffered against the wind during the first act and failed to meet the physical challenge imposed by the Toulonnais.
.@JBaptisteGros scores in force just before half-time!
đź’Ş
20 to 8 for the @RCTofficiel at the break 🕕#RCTASM 🏉 pic.twitter.com/L01joCEZiQ
– Canal Rugby Club (@CanalRugbyClub) March 26, 2022
Back from the locker room, the red and black club, carried by a very effective direct game, widened the gap even more with two tries from Aymeric Luc (47th) after a good ride and Julien Heriteau (55th) well launched by Baptist Serin.
Despite a much better second act with tries from Alivereti Raka and George Moala, in force, Clermont, easy winner in the first leg (31-16), missed a great opportunity to get closer to the qualifying zone.
Eighth three points behind Racing 92 at kick-off, the team remained on three straight wins in the league against Perpignan (52-12), Lyon (25-16) and Bordeaux-Bègles (29-26).
She will try to revive next Saturday at home against Brive.
Toulon will move him on the lawn of Lyon.
Player: Eban Etzebeth
If Toulon finished the first act with a nice lead of 12 points, it owes it in large part to Eban Etzebeth (30), its South African world champion.
The second row, well served by Sergio Parisse, first made his power speak to go and flatten the ball in the in-goal and score his first try of the season.
The one who will leave the club at the end of the season before the end of his contract, as announced last February, then supported Jean-Baptiste Gros on the second try.
The number: 11
The black series in Mayol continues for Clermont.
It's been eleven years since the club won on the lawn of Toulon.
His last victory dates back to September 3, 2011 (0-17).
