Toulon (AFP)
With the return of some of its international tricolors, Toulon returned to success in Mayol by dominating Racing 92 (25-21), Saturday evening at the end of the 18th day of Top 14.
Thanks to a test by winger Gabin Villière, one of the twelve French internationals who tested positive for Covid-19, and a 100% against the poles of Louis Carbonel, Toulon (6th) returns to one point behind Bordeaux-Bègles in the standings of Top 14 and takes a little air on Lyon and the French Stadium.
Released from the selection this weekend, the hinge Serin-Carbonel and winger Gabin Villière as well as the return from injury of the international pillar Jean-Baptiste Gros allowed the RCT to regain confidence and win after three defeats in four matches.
Too undisciplined at the start of the match with three penalties conceded in less than ten minutes, the Var have logically conceded the first points.
After a great action from the Ile-de-France forwards, Virimi Vakatawa scored the first try.
A month and a half away from the field due to a knee injury, the three-quarter international center tricolor scored on his first touched ball.
But the Toulonnais quickly reacted thanks to their internationals.
As usual, the scrum-half Baptiste Serin quickly took a penalty in the 22 meters of Racing and found Gabin Villière in relay who went on the test.
With this test transformed by Carbonel, Patrice Collazo's men regained confidence after two defeats at Mayol and gradually took control of the meeting.
Their domination was rewarded by the boot of Louis Carbonel author of a 3/3 in the first period.
The 22-year-old Toulon opener, who hasn't played for a while against Italy a little over a month ago, continued his clear round after the break and allowed the Rouge et Noir to take the wide.
But Racing has also been able to count on its internationals.
After a new number from Vakatawa which brought a scrum five meters from the Toulon test line, second line Bernard Le Roux restarted the meeting by scoring a powerful try.
Thanks to the boot of Maxime Machenaud, Racing 92 even came back to one point from the Var with eight minutes from time.
But the RCT was once again able to count on its providential opener.
Impervious to the pressure, "Carbo" added a sixth penalty late in the game, offering a precious victory for the Toulonnais.
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