In a striking display of dominance, RC Toulon triumphed over Gloucester with a score of 31-14 in the Investec Champions Cup match held at Kingsholm on Saturday. Here are five key insights from this encounter that showcased a clear disparity between the two teams.
The Main Takeaway
Toulon’s victory not only secured them a home game in the knockout round but also eliminated Gloucester from the tournament, thanks to their bonus-point win against the struggling English side. Despite what should have been an easy victory given their physical superiority in the first half, the French team made things slightly more difficult for themselves. They executed some outstanding plays and managed to score three tries early on, courtesy of Gael Drean, Mathis Ferte, and Lewis Ludlam. At times, it appeared almost too effortless for the visitors, highlighting the gap in quality.
As the game approached the final 15 minutes, Tomos Williams managed to score for Gloucester, giving a brief glimmer of hope. However, Toulon quickly extinguished any resurgence by scoring again through Drean, who secured his second try of the match, solidifying their advancement into the next phase.
A Clash of Titans and Boys
Entering this match, Gloucester had hopes of reaching the knockout stages; however, their performance suggested otherwise. This situation raises questions about the tournament format when a team struggling as much as the Cherry and Whites can still be in contention at such a critical juncture. While Toulon is undeniably a strong team, Kingsholm used to be a feared venue for visiting sides, a reputation that seems to have faded. The local fans deserve commendation for their unwavering support, even as their team falters—Toulon hardly broke a sweat to secure their victory.
Physically overwhelmed and technically outmatched, Gloucester found it challenging to defend against Toulon’s relentless attacks. The only factor preventing a wider margin of defeat was Toulon’s occasional lapses, potentially stemming from their overconfidence due to their dominance.
Zach Mercer Makes His Return
The atmosphere in the West Country was electric as Zach Mercer, named the Top 14 player of the year, returned to Kingsholm with aspirations to revitalize his international career. After an impressive tenure at Montpellier, his return to Gloucester was not met with the success he had hoped for. With England's head coach Steve Borthwick expressing reservations about Mercer, he opted to return to France after the ongoing season, joining Toulon. This match marked his first appearance back at Kingsholm, where the crowd expressed their opinions loudly.
With boos accompanying every touch and cheers greeting his mistakes, Mercer was cast in the role of the villain. However, the intensity of this animosity seemed to wane as Gloucester lost their chances of advancing, yet jeers still followed him when he was substituted in the second half. Ultimately, it was Mercer who left the field with a smile, having played a significant role in his team's victory.
Coaching Concerns
While injuries and absences may have plagued Gloucester, Toulon brought a formidable squad that should not have dominated the match as they did. The visitors showcased an impressive front row featuring international players from France and England, complemented by a powerful second-row duo of David Ribbans and Brian Alainu’uese. Despite Gloucester's own talented front five, including former All Black Nepo Laulala and nearly century-capped Argentinian Matias Alemanno, they were still outperformed in both scrums and lineouts.
Head coach George Skivington, known for his expertise in lineouts during his playing days, is under increasing pressure following a disappointing first half of the season. It’s apparent that the team lacks effective coaching strategies, which became evident against Toulon. While the players demonstrated grit and determination in the second half, showcasing their spirit, they are not being equipped with the necessary tools to thrive.
Toulon's Bright Future?
It has been over a decade since Toulon, under the maverick ownership of Mourad Boudjellal, last celebrated their third consecutive Champions Cup victory. In the subsequent years, their pursuit of a fourth title has largely fallen short. However, under coach Pierre Mignoni, they are slowly but surely building a competitive team. Although Bordeaux-Begles and Toulouse currently set the standard in French rugby—and by extension, European rugby—this Toulon squad displays potential and could compete with the best on their day. Their roster may not boast the same level of star power seen between 2013-2015, but their recruitment strategy appears sound and steady improvement is evident.
The essential components are evident in their forward pack, led by the indefatigable Charles Ollivon alongside hard-working England internationals like Kyle Sinckler, Ribbans, and Ludlam. While some of their backs may not yet be household names, talents like Oliver Cowie, Marius Domon, Drean, and Ferte are promising young players who could soon make waves in the sport.
