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.
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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 15 points clear.
Putting up a brave fight
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 enough at the Stade Mayol and Toulon secured a comfortable 36-21 victory.
Scorers
Toulon (36) — Tries: Thomas Salles, Teddy Baubigny, Aymeric Luc, Facundu Isa, Jiuta Wainiqolo (2). Conversions: Salles (3).
Cheetahs (21) — Tries: Marko Janse van Rensburg, Cohen Jasper, Renier Bernardo. Conversions: Ruan Pienaar (3).
This story first appeared on sarugbymag.co.za. It is republished here with permission. For the original story click here.
