Toulon on the ropes, Lyon qualified… What to remember from Saturday’s matches for French clubs

After Lyon’s victory against the Irish from Connacht, Toulon lost on Saturday to Munster on the penultimate day of the group stage.

A first weekend of European games in 2024 mixed on the French side. The day after the slap received by Aviron Bayonnais in Northampton (61-14), four French clubs are on deck, Saturday January 13, for the 3rd and penultimate day of the group stage of the Champions Cup. If LOU won at home against Connacht (34-20) to validate its qualification, Toulon is on the verge of elimination after its defeat against Munster (18-29). At the end of the day, Stade Français travels to Leinster (6:30 p.m.), while Toulouse is in Belfast to take on Ulster (9 p.m.).

12 minutes which are (very) expensive at the RCT

Last in its group before the match, Toulon had to win so as not to seriously compromise its chances of seeing the next round. But the southern club did not manage to get past the second, after a flying start. Lead by ten points thanks to a magnificent try from Duncan Paia’aua offered on a platter by Jiuta Wainiqolo, the RCT let its guard down at the end of the first period, conceding no less than 17 points in barely twelve minutes before the break.

Symbol of the inconstancy of the Var, this air gap, during which Alex Nankivell and Simon Zebo each flattened an Irish ball in the goal, conditioning the second period. Munster moved forward again when the Toulonnais increased their inaccuracies and therefore failed to earn the defensive bonus point (four tries to two). On the last day, the RCT will have to win at all costs in Glasgow to hope to take, depending on the other results, the fourth qualifying place for the elimination phase.

A breath of fresh air for Lyon

It’s made for the LOU. Thanks to their improved success at Gerland against the Irish of Connacht (34-20) combined with the victory of the Bulls against Bristol (31-17), the Lyonnais registered their presence in the round of 16. A good way to get back on track after the humiliation suffered in Toulouse last weekend (45-0) and to improve confidence, while the team is only 13th behind in the Top 14. “In the championship, we are in tough conditions and we need these two weeks in the European Cup to bounce back and regain confidence”recognised opener Léo Berdeu at the microphone of beIN Sports after the match.

Against Connacht, Lyon once again showed its fragility in the defensive phases, with three tries conceded due to avoidable errors. But the Rhone residents ensured the essential thanks to a better controlled end of the game, where they managed to increase the counter of flattened balls in the goal to four. “Compared to usual, we were able to raise our heads by remaining united to get the bonus at the end. This victory does a lot of good”continued the flyhalf, whose team will try to keep first place in Pool A by dominating Saracens in a week.