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Overview
Season so far
Tournament record
London Irish fly-half Paddy Jackson
Pool 2 leaders RC Toulon will be looking to make it three from three in this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup on two counts when they meet second-placed London Irish for the first time in the competition on Saturday.
Not only did the French club win their Rounds 1 and 2 games, but they have also beaten the Exiles on the two previous occasions they have met in European competition, in the European Cup.
Key facts
- Toulon have won their last 10 home games in the Challenge Cup, scoring an average of 39 points per game.
- London Irish have won eight of their last 10 away games against French opposition in the tournament.
- Irish made just 403 metres in Rounds 1 and 2, the lowest total of any side.
📸 Prepping for the weekend 🙌
Get your tickets for home matches here 👉https://t.co/7W2m43B9BS pic.twitter.com/RqTsWrypPe
— London Irish (@LiRFC) December 3, 2019
Pool 2 leaders RC Toulon made it a thrilling three from three in this season’s European Rugby Challenge Cup as they defeated London Irish 37-17 – and picked up an attacking bonus point as well.
They remain unbeaten in the competition so far this campaign – and have now also won three in a row against the Exiles in Europe.
🎥 | GAME DAY: the lads are here, time to work 👏🙌 #TOUvLIR pic.twitter.com/OdTgZSMiEO
— London Irish (@LiRFC) December 7, 2019
It was a quickfire start for Toulon as Baptiste Serin exploited gaps in the Irish defence and Anthony Belleau converted after just two minutes.
Belleau added three more points with a penalty, but Steve Mafi reduced the deficit with a try on 23 minutes, powering over from close range, and Steve Myler added the extras.
Then Serin got his second try of the afternoon just after the half-hour before Myler kicked another three points to take Irish in at the break five points behind.
Toulon cranked up a gear in the second half, with Ramiro Moyano Joya and Masivesi Dakuwaqa adding tries and Belleau kicking five more points, but they had to work hard during the last 12 minutes after Theo Dachary was sent off for a high challenge on Motu Matu’u.
Tom Fowlie grabbed a late try for Irish after a TMO review, with Myler once again converting – but Toulon retained their 20-point margin of victory when in the last minute Moyano got his second of the match and Belleau converted.
Toulon have now won their last 11 home games in the Challenge Cup.
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