RCT five points behind at half-time against UBB (15-10)

It was in a boiling hot stadium and oppressive heat (32°) that the Toulonnais (in red and black) and the Bodelais (in white) appeared on the pitch of the Groupama Stadium in Lyon.

The opportunity for the RCT to play in a Top 14 semi-final, something that had not happened since 2017 and a victory over La Rochelle (18-15).

From the start, Pierre Mignoni's men tried to keep the ball.

But the first attack came from Girondins. Jean-Baptiste Gros was penalized for a delayed tackle on Lamothe. Jalibert converted the Var left pillar's foul with a penalty (3-0).

The Var response was swift. Jaminet created a magnificent opening in the center of the field. The ball went out to the wing to Tuicuvu, who caught the Bordeaux defense by surprise. She made a mistake in her 22-meter box, and Jaminet equalized (3-3).

The tactical aspect is nevertheless predominant in this duel where the occupation instructions are clearly established. The two teams very rarely use the ball to the outside.

It was also after a penalty kick that Union Bordeaux-Bègles scored the first try of the match. Depoortère was the final touch after a penalty kick that was well-handled by his teammates (8-3 in the 18th minute).

The gap widened eight minutes later – again on a penalty touch – through Baptiste Lamothe (15-3).

The RCT does not have enough possession of the ball and is taking the full brunt of the Girondins' efficiency, who score on almost every opportunity they have.

Unlike David Ribbans' teammates, who unfortunately missed a huge opportunity to score a try in the 35th minute. After a penalty played by hand, Facundo Isa failed to touch the ball down in the in-goal area!

But just before heading into the changing rooms, Serin broke away behind his scrum at the halfway line. Garbisi sharpened his pass and served Fainga'anuku, who used his power to score the try.

Seven points which allow Toulon to completely relaunch itself in this (very) high-level semi-final.