Toulon proved impregnable to the travelling Cheetahs who, despite a valiant effort, were easily repelled by the French giants in a Challenge Cup clash at Stade Mayol on Saturday afternoon.
A weakened Cheetahs team was given a slim chance when they headed to France to take on Toulon in the Challenge Cup. For the first 40 minutes of Saturday’s clash, the boys from Bloem were nowhere. Three tries and two conversions saw the home team head into half time with a comfortable 19-0 lead.
First opportunity for @RCTofficiel and they strike ?
Thomas Salles with a beautiful line puts the hosts ahead, it's a tasty start to this #ChallengeCupRugby clash ? pic.twitter.com/DunZoI0IHE
— EPCR Challenge Cup (@ChallengeCup_) April 1, 2023
Responding with ferocity to a scoreless first half, the Cheetahs came out of the tunnel firing and dented the scoreboard with a try and conversion within the first three minutes. But one try from the tourists was met with two from the hosts, and while they would go on to score another two in the latter stages of the game, Toulon continued to trade blows, ending the match fifteen points clear.
#CheetahForever ???
We are GRATEFUL for the opportunity!#EPCRChallengeCup@ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/wciRdDtcvN
— Toyota Cheetahs (@CheetahsRugby) April 1, 2023
A Cheetahs side lacking notably in experience were brave to fight back against a French side with much more resource, playing at home. But bravery was not a enough at the Stade Mayol and Toulon secured a comfortable 36-21 victory
⏱80' | 36-21 ???????? ✅
Le RC Toulon est qualifié en quart de finale ?
Rendez-vous le week-end prochain à Mayol ?⚫#RCTCHE pic.twitter.com/DaLavEcNAY
— RCT – RC Toulon (@RCTofficiel) April 1, 2023