In a decisive clash during the final match of the group stage, the RCT succumbed to a 33-7 defeat against the english Sharks in Sale. Despite a valiant effort from the forwards, including standout performances from Lucchesi and the second-line duo Matthias Halagahu and Swan rebbadj, the team struggled to contain the Sharks’ relentless attack.
The Standouts: Halagahu and Rebbadj
Matthias Halagahu, the captain for the day, proved indispensable on the pitch. His proactive play with ball in hand and his defensive prowess were crucial for the RCT. While not dominant in tackling, Halagahu excelled in disrupting the Sharks’ lineouts, a key area targeted by the English side. Swan Rebbadj mirrored this excellence, especially in the mauls, where he showcased his strength and precision in the chilly conditions of Greater Manchester.
The Italian hooker, Lucchesi, also made critically important contributions. His critical scratch in the eighth minute saved Toulon from a precarious situation, and his leadership was evident throughout the match. A standout moment came in the 27th minute when he prevented an English try by diving under the ball, a testament to his defensive acumen.
the Disappointment: Biggar’s Struggles
On the flip side,the RCT opener,Biggar,failed to make the expected impact. Despite attempts to push forward, he struggled to create opportunities for his team. A missed tackle in the 18th minute and a poorly executed cross to Villière highlighted his off day. His performance was further marred when he was outmaneuvered by Ben Curry, leading to the Sharks’ second try. While a bad pass from Ben White contributed to his struggles, Biggar’s overall performance fell short of expectations.
Player Ratings
Below is a summary of the player ratings from the match:
| Player | Position | Rating |
|—————–|———-|——–|
| R. Rebbadj | 15 | 5.5/10 |
| Wainiqolo | 14 | 4/10 |
| Frisch | 13 | 4/10 |
| Sinzelle | 12 | 5.5/10 |
| Villière | 11 | 5/10 |
| Biggar | 10 | 4/10 |
| Coulon | 7 | 6/10 |
| Se. Double | 8 | 6/10 |
| Ludlam | 6 | 6/10 |
| S.Rebbadj | 5 | 6.5/10 |
| Value (cap.) | 4 | 6.5/10 |
| Setiano | 3 | 5/10 |
| Lucchesi | 2 | 6.5/10 |
| Gros | 1 | 5/10 |
Key Takeaways
The match highlighted the resilience of Toulon’s forwards, particularly Halagahu and Rebbadj, who stood out in both defense and set pieces. However, the team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and Biggar’s underwhelming performance ultimately led to their downfall.as the RCT reflects on this loss, the focus will undoubtedly be on addressing these weaknesses ahead of their next challenge.