Toulon have too much power for Lyon
TOULON powered into the Challenge Cup semi-finals with an emphatic win over reigning champions Lyon at the Stade Félix Mayol
Star man Jiuta Wainiqolo scored two, with further tries from Teddy Baubigny, Dany Priso, Waisea Vuidravuwalu, Charles Ollivon and Aymeric Luc, plus 11 points from Ihaia West’s boot.
Lyon were well beaten at their Top 14 rivals – who they defeated in last season’s Challenge Cup final – but got over for two second-half scores, through Baptiste Couilloud and Toby Arnold.
Lyon won the battle of the opening stages as two Lima Sopoaga penalties saw them in front, fly-half West responding with one for Toulon as the game lacked any clear try-scoring opportunities.
But the hosts provided the first score when Baptise Serin took a penalty quickly and kicked forward for wing Wainiqolo to streak through and dot down.
Two tries from lineout mauls in the final minutes of the first half then put Toulon in command at the break, with hooker Baubigny crossing before prop Priso crashed over.
Toulon’s big runners continued to cause Lyon problems after the restart, with centre Vuidravuwalu powering over from close range before flanker Ollivon cruised in shortly after.
Replacement scrumhalf Couilloud darted across the whitewash to provide Lyon’s first try of the afternoon on the hour mark, but Toulon hit back as Wainiqolo was sent over in the corner with ease for his second try.
Lyon full-back Arnold grabbed a second score for the visitors when he muscled over on 71 minutes, but Toulon capped their impressive display when wing Luc profited from a mistake by Thibaut Regard late on.