French giants Toulon end Cheetahs' journey in Europe

The team from Bloemfontein did well to reach the playoffs, but the game against the French giants proved to be one step too far for them this season, with the hosts scoring six tries to the visitors' three, all of which came after the break.

The Free Staters started well and were on the attack early on and Oupa Mohoje lost the ball on the tryline, after which Toulon escaped and Thomas Salles scored a few minutes later to get the scoreboard rolling.

It was evenly matches until the 29th minute, when Rynier Bernardo was yellow carded, and Toulon immediately scored again to stretch their lead, through Teddy Baubigny.

When Aymeric Luc went over at the death of the first half, the hosts were firmly in control. Although the Free Staters had more possession and enjoyed territorial advantage, their discipline let them down and they ended up conceding 16 penalties.

The second half started well for the Toyota Cheetahs when Marko Janse van Rensburg went over in the 42nd minute, but Toulon hit back again through tries by Facundo Isa and Jiuta Naqoli Wainiqolo to keep their grip on the encounter.

Cohen Jasper and Bernardo also went over for the visitors, but it was too late and Toulon booked their spot in the quarter-finals.