Since the arrival of Franck Azéma and the return of many players from injury, the RCT has found a second wind.
By dominating the match from start to finish, the Varois gave themselves some air in the standings by overtaking Pau to reach 10th place in the Top 14.
If they remained on an encouraging defeat in Montpellier (18-16) after a bonus victory in Biarritz (45-17), the Toulonnais signed an XXL performance in their den of Mayol by beating, with the bonus, La Rochelle which remained yet on three straight wins.
The Toulonnais immediately imposed great defensive pressure on Rochelais unable to find air to unfold their game. The Maritimes returned to the locker room 13 points behind (19-6) punished by the boot of Louis Carbonel.
The 23-year-old flyhalf signed four penalties before the break and converted the try of his three-quarter Australian center Duncan Paia'aua who spun into the in-goal after a run of more than 50 meters.
Despite a reaction from Ronan O'Gara's men who ended up finding the promised land thanks to Fijian winger Eneriko Buliruarua, the Toulonnais quickly took to the open sea, quickly annihilating the hopes of the visitors.
His South African star Cheslin Kolbe, found in the 22 meters from La Rochelle, spun on the test, his first under the colors of Toulon in eight meetings.
The world champion winger even did it again a few minutes later thanks to a brilliant little kick over the top.
Three-quarters Aymeric Luc was rewarded for his good performance by scoring the bonus try.
The Toulonnais will try to continue their good series on Saturday with the arrival of Clermont.
Sixth in the standings, La Rochelle will want to relaunch on Saturday with the arrival of Racing 92.
© 2022 AFP