Lyon surprised everyone by dominating Toulon (30-12), in Marseille in the final of European Challenge. Montpellier is defeated by Pierre Mignoni’s men.
The Lyonnais learned their lesson at home (43-10), during a match that had been the trigger of the Toulonnaise “remontada” in the Top 14. At the Stade-Velodrome however, it was the Toulonnais who failed to find the solution against an extremely well-organized team and explosive on counterattacks such as their Georgian winger David Niniashvili.
After a Jordan Taufua interception (8th), on a pass by Sergio Parisse, the Lyonnais scored first in this tight match.
Baptiste Serin, who had been involved in the conclusion of one rare Var offensive, brought Toulon to LOU, despite being confronted by a strong Lyon defense.
Pierre Mignoni’s team regained the lead after Leo Berdeu’s penalty (10-7), but Lyonnais had a greater advantage. After he dived to score, Davit Niniashvili, the winger, was denied a try just before half-time.
However, the Lyonnais managed to make the break. Referee Luke Pearce gave the Varois a penalty try for AymericLuc’s voluntary forward (46) while Tony Arnold had just made a decisive pass towards Niniashvili (15 yards) from the line. The Varois were reduced to 14 and immediately gave up a third attempt on a counter by Pierre-Louis Barassi (48).
Toulon didn’t abdicate, but Lyon was able stop the Var revolt. Berdeu also added three points following a well-executed counterattack (27-7 in 59th).
While defending in front his line, the Lyon opener received a card. Although the Toulonnais camped many times within 22 meters from the LOU, they were unable to locate the fault. Arnold had a new counter and the Lyonnais increased the gap by Ngatai. It was too late for Cheslin Kolbe to score when he finally did.
