RC Toulon extended its unbeaten home streak by defeating Racing 92 45-21 in the seventh round of Top 14, securing the offensive bonus point. Gaël Dréan shone upon his return, while Baptiste Serin had to leave due to injury. Toulon's forwards were decisive in the win.
On Sunday, concluding the seventh round of Top 14, RC Toulon dominated Racing 92 45-21 at Stade Mayol, confirming its unbeaten home record this season. The Varois team secured the offensive bonus point through a solid collective performance.
Gaël Dréan, last season's revelation, returned after a concussion. The Toulon winger scored a try, advanced on every ball reception, pressured the Ile-de-France defense, and brought speed to the Varois game. Always available, impactful, and technically sound, he showed form ahead of the announcement of the 42 players for France's November tour.
Toulon's forwards were the engine of success against a tough Racing pack. They dominated the scrum with 9 wins out of 12, imposing power and discipline. In defense, Lewis Ludlam made 17 tackles, Charles Ollivon 13, while Duncan Mercer ran with the ball 12 times for 54 meters gained. In key moments, like the final try, they displayed character and solidarity, turning the match.
Coach Pierre Mignoni's tactical genius sealed the win: late in the game, he substituted Dréan with Jean-Baptiste Gros, leading to a lineout followed by a maul ended by a forwards' try, ensuring the bonus.
Among the flops, scrum-half Baptiste Serin, injured in the ribs from the first try, left the field early, appearing in severe pain and unable to return. This injury adds to Toulon's already long list, raising concerns before the next match against Stade Toulousain.
Racing 92 suffered from indiscipline: dominated in the scrum with several penalties conceded, and recurring handling errors that spoiled scoring opportunities, often punished by Toulon tries. Despite fine offensive sequences and notable intensity, these mistakes proved costly.