Toulon made to toil by sunny Scarlets

By Helen ‘Helzbach’ Davies

After being drawn in what is being described as the ‘Pool of Death’ the Scarlets’ first match in the new European Champions Cup saw them being drawn away to current championsToulon for the opening round at the Stade Mayol. With a further two former European Champions in the same pool, it was feared by many that the game would be very much about damage limitation.

Sadly, the match began with a minute’s silence following news that former Scarlets player and Chief Executive, Stuart Gallacher had passed away over the weekend.

Wearing the sunny new yellow away kit, the Scarlets’ huddle looked on in bewilderment as the home team offered their own sort of haka prior to kick off!

The difference in the two teams were evident as the players ran onto the pitch with Toulon boasting a huge playing budget and playing such as Brian Habana and Lee Halfpenny whilst the Scarlets rely on academy players who have worked their way through the ranks to join the first team.

The Scarlets had an early opportunity to put points on the board following a good positional kick from Captain Scott Williams, however the wealth of experience in the Toulon ranks soon saw them clear the line.

A disastrous scrum saw things deteriorate for the Welsh men as Rory Pitman was sin binned for a high tackle, giving Halfpenny the chance to opening the scoring as he kicked his first penalty of the afternoon to give the home team a 3 points to 0 lead.

Strong Scarlets defence was rewarded with an interception by Kristian Phillips, however he seemingly surprised himself as he failed to look for support and settled for a poor kick into touch.

The Scarlets did get rewarded for their efforts as Rhys Priestland was successful in his first attempt at the posts to equalise the score – 3 all, as Sosban Fach filled the air in the Stade Mayol.

However, it didn’t take long for Toulon to score the first try of the afternoon, despite some obvious obstruction as Australian Matt Giteau crossed under the posts. Despite the easy conversion, it seemed the Welsh Gods were looking down on the Scarlets as the ball toppled over after Halfpenny started his run-up resulting in him forfeiting the conversion with the score line remaining 8 points to 3.

Unfortunately, the Scarlets defence was soon tested again as they were hit with another wave of Toulon attack but their dominance at the breakdown and yet another turn over ball saw them take possession.

Good field position and excellent work from Liam Williams saw John Barclay cross for the Welsh men’s first try of the afternoon to the delight of the many travelling supporters. Priestland’s conversion amazingly saw the Scarlets take the lead 8 points to 10!

Devastatingly the hard work of the previous move lasted a matter of minutes as straight from the re-start an error from Captain Scott Williams saw Maxime Mermoz cross for an easy try. Halfpenny on this occasion made no mistake with the conversion to see his side re-take the lead, 15 points to 10.

Despite being written off by many rugby experts prior to kick-off, the Scarlets were very much the better side of the first half and as the clock neared half time Priestland continued with his 100% kicking record to cut the deficit to just 2 points, 15 points to 13.

Unfortunately, this was not the last score of the half as Halfpenny’s penalty closed the half to give the home team a 18 points to 13 advantage, however a positive half from the Scarlets saw them silence the home crowd and critics alike.

The second half began positively for the Scarlets with Rhys Priestland being offered an early opportunity to cut Toulon’s lead, however on this occasion his kick sailed wide of the posts.

With the Scarlets down to 14 men once again following yellow card for Hooker Emyr Phillips, it seemed the floodgates would open, but again is seemed the Welsh Gods were looking down on the Scarlets as the initial drive for the try was held up and the subsequent effort saw the lineout being overthrown and the Scarlets surprisingly finding themselves in possession.

The Scarlets managed to hold out during the yellow card period right until the end without conceding any points, until another Halfpenny penalty saw the home team not only increase their lead to 21 points to 13 but the 8 point advantage saw the Scarlets outside the 7 point difference to secure a losing bonus point.

Despite being in the game for so long, Steffon Armitage’s drive over the whitewash saw the home team effectively make the game safe. Again, Halfpenny added the conversion to extend the lead to 28 points to 13 as the game entered the final 10 minutes. The Scarlets, however, can feel very proud, not only in their performance, but also that it took a whole 70 minutes before the home crowd were able to celebrate by throwing the match day paper in the air.

The Scarlets weren’t giving up the game without a fight though as only a crunching Halfpenny tackle on Harry Robinson saved the try. The attack continued as the men in yellow were rewarded with a scrum v, but it was the pace of Kristian Phillips from his own 22 to cross in the corner to importantly deny Toulon’s quest for a fourth try and a bonus point.

Priestland was unable to add the tricky touch-line conversion, but the last gasp try saw the game end with Toulon the victors 28 points to 18. It was however, the performance of the Scarlets that was the talking point of the game. Whereas prior to kick off, it was hoped to contain Toulon, the Scarlets walked off the pitch disappointed that on this occasion David did not beat Goliath.

The European competition continues next weekend with the Scarlets hosting Leicester Tigers in Parc y Scarlets next Saturday – kick off, 7.45pm , where it is hoped another strong performance will see the Scarlets secure a home victory