England's World Cup Journey Has Begun

Last weekend saw the start of England’s World Cup journey at Twickenham with the Aviva Premiership final on Saturday between Saracens and Bath then the following day Stuart Lancaster was able to have a look at the fringe players when the Red Rose took on the Barbarians as they all fight for a place to get into the 31 man squad.

Let’s start with the Aviva Premiership final and even though players, coaches and fans were focused on this game, which Saracens won 28 – 16 and Owen Farrell picked up the man of the match, people will be looking at that game with positions up for grabs as 18 members of the 50 man training squad were a part of this match.

The big one was the battle for the England fly half shirt and even though we knew what we were getting with Farrell and George Ford.

The big question mark was how will both players handle the pressure and on Saturday it was Farrell. Yes, you can easily make a case for him to be sin binned or sent off for his two minute tackle on Anthony Watson. However, he wasn’t and went on to score 18 points (one try, two conversions and three penalties) and won MOTM.

While Ford scored 17 points (one conversion and five penalties) from the tee which shows his kicking has improved all season. His overall kicking game during the final was below par, mainly due to the pressure the Sarries defence put Bath under, but he has that x factor as he can create something out of nothing and when the team is in attack mode it’s some of the most beautiful rugby being played.

Meanwhile, on Sunday Danny Cipriani showed what he can do when given an opportunity playing at 10 and after scoring two tries, kicking all 10 conversions and a penalty. The Sale man finished with a 33 point haul in a flawless afternoon which saw the 27 year old also move to fullback and produced a classy finish to score the final try of the game.

This is why it was such a shame he was arrested for drink driving and with RFU officials looking into what happen, and given how Lancaster wants his players to be role models plus the RFU will not want to have another disastrous off the field World Cup like in 2011, things don’t look good for Cipriani.

If Cipriani is kicked out of the squad then it will be a great opportunity for Northampton’s Stephen Myler and Exeter’s Henry Slade to get the final fly half spot. We know what we’re getting with both players it just depends on how well they’ll train.

I think Myler might just get picked due to how reliable he is with the boot and this could be his last chance to be in an England squad with someone as talented as Slade rising through the racks.

Another position up for grabs is replacement hooker with Dylan Hartley going from starting 15 regular to being kicked out. All signs point to Tom Youngs wearing the number two jersey when England kick off against Fiji, but you now have Bath’s Rob Webber, Luke Cowan – Dickie from Exeter and Aviva Premiership winner Jamie George all competing to be Youngs’ understudy.

After losing his starting place in the Bath squad to Ross Batty it’s hard to see Webber getting his chance and I thought he wouldn’t even get into the 50 man squad, but he showed how much of an impact player he is coming off the bench during the Aviva Premiership final which could put him in good stead.

In the same match George produced another stellar performance by showing pace to score a try but also in his set piece scoring a lineout success of 100% and this is on top of a great season.

Compare that with Stuart Barnes’ new man crush Cowan – Dickie who had a great game in the loose against the Barbarians, but his lineout throwing was poor and because of all of that, I think George has a better chance of being on the replacements bench against Fiji.

One player which needs to be talked about is hat trick hero Christian Wade, who was described by Miles Harrison as a sports car, however, the Wasps winger could and should have scored four tries in the 73 – 12 massacre against the Baabaas.

After previously omitted Wade showed why he can be England’s lethal weapon and with David Strettle moving to France next season, there’s a chance the Sarries wingman could be dropped in favour of the 24 year old.

It’s not just Wade, who could see this as a lifeline, but also Semesa Rokoduguni who has been treated unfairly after making his debut against New Zealand in the autumn he was unable to follow it up due to a hip injury and has never been picked since.

Recently he’s becoming the Roko of old with a well-crafted assist for Kyle Eastmond’s try in the semi – final against Leicester then in the Aviva Premiership final the winger made 85 metres and 12 ball carries.

As well as pace he adds physicality on the wing, which could come in handy as most nations now have a physical wingers just look at George North for Wales and New Zealand’s Julian Savea. 

We also like an underdog story and we have it in Maro Itoje. The Saracens lock/back row is slowly becoming a force to be reckoned with and even though he’s only made 26 first team appearances. Highlights this season have been his performance against Clermont in the Champions Cup semi – final and captaining Saracens to the LV Cup. 

You can tell the England camp think highly of the 20 year old as in one year he’s moved from winning the Junior World Championship to being in the training squad for the RWC and he has a real chance of making it into the final 31 man squad. The same goes for Saracens for next season he’ll be permanently in the starting 15 and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’ll be the next captain after Alistair Hargreaves.

The Sleeping Giant Of World Rugby Has Finally Awakened

World rugby’s sleeping giant has awakened. Remember the date 17th May 2015 because this is when America took its first steps to becoming part of the games big nations after winning the London Sevens title beating Australia 45 – 22.

It’s about time to as the end of last year I wrote a piece explaining why the USA are the sleeping giants of world rugby. After winning their historical victory things can only get better as they’ll be breaking more history with their first ever elite championship called the National Rugby Football League.

This will be the start of the professional game in the country and it’s about time. America has woken up to the fact they have everything to be a major force in this sport, just look at Samu Manoa and Chris Wyles in the Premiership, Wyles has been in terrific form for Saracens in the back end of this season while Manoa was amazing for Northampton Saints at the first half of the season and will be joining Tolon next season.

Then look at their sevens squad led by the first man in rugby, Carlin Isles. Then you have the All Blacks coming to play at Solider Field which was the first ever test match to be played on an NFL venue and what’s even better, even though USA lost 74 – 6, they showed the 61,000 sold out crowd how the game is played.

The game was also broadcasted live on NBC and attracted an average audience of 900,000.

Now looking forward to this summer, two Premiership teams will be travelling across the pond as Harlequins will be facing the US national side, while Leicester Tigers taking on the NRFL Rough Riders in the inaugural Independence Cup. Both these games will be played in Philadelphia.

On why the US Eagles will be returning to Philadelphia the national sides CEO Nigel Melville how important the state’s love of the sport to help the growth of the game. “This is truly a rugby hotbed. We had a sold-out stadium full of spirited fans that wanted to see their Eagles take flight. Philadelphia loves their rugby, and we’re excited to be back.” 

Quins Chief Executive David Ellis added “We have been working on this with USA Rugby for some time and everyone at the Club is hugely excited about the tour to Philadelphia and this ground – breaking fixture with the USA.

“Harlequins is a globally recognized club and this match will help drive our global ambitions. Rugby in the USA is a sleeping giant and we are looking forward to being a part of this unique occasion as we begin to help develop the sport in America.” 

In the same city, the Tigers will be taking part in the first ever elite rugby match played in the States by a professional US team with the match being played at Lincoln Financial Field, which if you’re an American Football fan is the home of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Leicester, the 10 – time Premiership champions, will face a team made up of former NFL  players, College American football players and collegiate, club and international rugby players.

Don Smolenski, president of the Philadelphia Eagles, said “This match kicks off the first rugby game for an elite US team against a historic rugby stalwart, the Leicester Tigers."   

While Tigers Chief Executive Simon Cohan sees a chance to raise the profile of the club in a lucrative market, adding “Rugby is making massive strides there and the fixture will provide an excellent platform for the home-based players, and also for our squad as they prepare for a new season.” 

Recently the US Eagles announced they’ll be returning to Solider Fields to take on Australia as both sides get ready for the World Cup. 

Melville had this to say “We are excited to be returning to Chicago for this important match which will be a final Rugby World Cup send-off game for both teams. Soldier Field provides a unique fan experience and an electric atmosphere.” 

While the ARU Chief Executive Bill Pulver said “The opportunity to bring the Qantas Wallabies to a new market in the United States is a major boost for our code in Australia.” 

This is great for raising the profile of the sport in one of the biggest countries in the world. If the NRFL builds some excitement for rugby then it could be seen as another avenue for college football players because according to the NACC only 1.6 percent will make it to the NFL that’s less than 2 in 100. 

Then you have the colleges that showcase rugby now those players have something to aim for to become the next Manoa and play in leagues like the Premiership and Top 14.

Finally, with the USA making a bid to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup the future is bright for the land of dreams.     

Two Rounds Left To Finish The Job

We are coming to the business end of the season as five teams have two rounds to clinch the last three play – off spots. With the penultimate round of the Aviva Premiership kicking off this Friday at the Stoop as Ugo Monye plays his final ever home game for Harlequins when they welcome Bath.

Quins will want to require as many points as possible in the last two rounds to give themselves any chance of reaching next season’s European Champions Cup. Even though they’ve lost only once since the Wembley defeat to Saracens on 28th March, this will be the first time Conor O’Shea’s men have missed out on the play – offs since 2011.

While Bath have the second best away record this season, behind Northampton Saints, and they’ll hope to keep up their winning streak going as the visitors only need one win to secure their first semi – final since 2010.

However, the West Country side haven’t won at the Stoop since 2004 winning 18 – 14.

Another team fighting to secure a place in the Champions Cup next season are Sale Sharks and they hope the recent dip in form will end this weekend as Newcastle Falcons visit the AJ Bell Stadium.

The Sharks have only won once in the last five Aviva Premiership outings beating Gloucester 23 – 6 in round 18 and despite scoring 23 points against London Irish and Harlequins in the previous two rounds Steve Diamonds troops went on to lose both games 25 – 23.

As well as Sale, Newcastle are also struggling to find some form having lost the last eight matches in all competitions as their last win came against Irish in the Anglo – Welsh Cup in Feburary. The Falcons will also be hoping to improve their away record with they’ve only won once since October 2013 came against London Welsh in round six.

As teams fight it out to into the premier European rugby tournament, Northampton Saint are only one win away to ensure a home semi – final for the second successive season and they have now reached the play – offs for the past six years.

Saint have only lost four times this season – Wasps, Sales and the double against Exeter – while their visitors London Welsh have lost all 32 first team fixtures this season in which they have received just four points in all competitions and are on course to breaking the record for the most points conceded in a Premiership rugby season.

With Gloucester winning the Challenge Cup against Edinburgh last Friday which secured the play – off spot for the Champions Cup, this will be the perfect for Irish to keep impressing their new boss as the Cherry and Whites have nothing to prove.

They’ve been undefeated at Kingsholm in any competition in 2015 while the Exiles last away win this season was against London Welsh (no surprise) and their Aviva Premiership record against Gloucester at Kingsholm isn’t that great either with Irish’s last win coming in Janurary 2013.

The biggest match of the weekend will be at the Ricoh Arena as a sold out crowd will be watching Wasps taking on Leicester as both teams look to secure a play – off position.

Both teams come into this game on amazing form with Wasps being  one of the best home team’s  this season, having only lost once and winning the last two Aviva Premiership matches against London Welsh (of course) and Exeter.

However, Leicester Tigers will be travelling to the Ricoh suffering one defeat in the last seven games which was against Saracens and they have the third best away record this season behind Bath and Saints.

Round 21 finishes off at Allianz Park with Saracens hosting Exeter and knowing if they clinch a bonus point victory it will be enough to reach their six consecutive semi – final and depending how the weekend results go Sarries might need less.

Much like Wasps, Saracens have only lost once at home in the Aviva Premiership this season against Northampton but in recent weeks both teams have had identical records having lost two games in a row as well as being knocked out of the semi – finals of their respected European tournaments and then losing their following away games against Saint’s and Wasps respectfully.

The Chiefs will be hoping to up that bad form behind them and do the double to keep their play – off hopes alive.

Five Teams Have Two Rounds To Clinch Three Play Off Spots

As we enter the final two rounds of the Aviva Premiership, round 20 conjured up more plot twists as the top five teams have all but booked their place in next seasons Champions Cup. Elsewhere, there was a classic match being played at Kingsholm, as Sale could be slipping out of a place in Europe’s top rugby tournament all together with Harlequins keeping their hopes alive.

It all started under the Friday night lights of the Rec as Bath clinched the much needed bonus point win against London Irish to keep their hopes of getting into the play – offs, and securing a home semi final, alive. It also showed Sam Burgess getting more and more comfortable in the new code and finding home in the back row as he picked up his second man of the match award.

It could have been a different story as Irish went into the interval 13 – 12 up thanks to Tom Courts’ try, but the West Country side were more ruthless in the second half scoring 31 unanswered points with tries from Leroy Houston, Jonathan Joseph, Matt Banahan, Burgess and Semesa Rokoduguni. Before Blair Cowan touched down for a consolation try making the score 43 – 18.

At the AJ Bell Stadium, a late fightback from Sale wasn’t enough has Harlequins held on to a 25 – 23 win to boost their Champions Cup hopes whilst damaging the hosts’.

Quins scored four first half tries with Charlie Walker, Chris Robshaw, Marland Yarde and Danny Care all touching down to make them the first team to beat Sale at home in the Aviva Premiership in 2015. 

The Sharks came close to getting a draw as two tries from Tom Arscott and a late Mark Cueto try, however Joe Ford missed two conversions which could cost the home side dearly as the visitors are now just a point of Sale in seventh and a potential European play off.

Another team on the hunt for a European play off spot is Gloucester, who fought back as Billy Burns’ late try allowed them beat Newcastle 42 – 40 at Kingsholm.

The Cherry and White’s were trailing by 17 points with 10 minutes remaining, but Billy Twelvetrees who scored his second try of the game plus Henry Purdy and Burns crossing the whitewash to break Falcons’ hearts.

Newcastle were leading for 70 minutes with Mark Wilson, Sinoti Sinoti, Scott Lawson and Josh Furno all scoring plus Rory Clegg kicking 20 points, and it looked like the visitors were going to win their second Aviva Premiership away match in 18 months.

Gloucester had other plans as Twelevetrees ran in to score his first try of the day in the first half, but it wasn’t until Dan Robson superb touch down that the fightback started as fly half Burns had a fantastic all round game picking up 22 points which has helped extend their eight match unbeaten home streak.

Despite going into half time 10 – 7 up London Welsh ended the game as tiger meat as Leicester ran out 38 – 17 winners to keep up their push for the play – offs.

Koree Britton scored a late first half try to cancel out Ben Youngs’ early score with the sides only separated by Chris Elder’s penalty. However, two quick scores from Lawerence Pearce regained the Tigers lead and once Chris Hala’ufia saw red it was like picking meat off the bone for the Welford Road faithful as Sam Harrison, Jamie Gibson and Tom Youngs touched down.

The big game on Saturday was at Stadium MK as Northampton welcomed Saracens to a kicking master – class presented by Stephen Myler as Saints secured qualification for the plays off with a 25 – 20 win.

With Saints starting to get back their best, they showed what champions are made off, coming back from 17 – 13 down at half time as Chris Wyles scored a two tries and Charlie Hodgson added seven points from the tee.

Samu Manoa scored the only Northampton try with a wonderful assist from Luther Burrell, but the day belonged to Myler as he collected 20 points from the boot. It could have been different if Billy Vunipola didn’t lose control of the ball just before the try line. Nevertheless Saint’s are in the play – offs and now only two points from securing a home semi final.

The last game of round 20 saw Wasps give themselves a chance of reaching the semi finals after a 36 – 29 win over Exeter closed the gap on their rivals.

Joe Simpson’s superb late try wrapped up a vital win for Wasps, but a last minute drop goal from Gareth Steenson gave the Chiefs a losing bonus point, which means they are only a point behind Leicester in the race for the play – offs with Wasps a further point behind them.

It was an entertaining game at the Ricoh Arena as Christan Wade score the first try in the first minute, with Will Chudley quickly replying for the visitors, but the teams were separated by the boot of Andy Goode and late penalty try gave the hosts a 26 – 16 lead at half time.

Exeter did claw back with a Thomas Waldrom try, and with Henry Slade’s conversion and penalty the score was down to three points to 29 – 26. However, the Chiefs dropped their guard and Simpson run into a gap and showed his trademark pace to ran in for the touchdown to make sure the home side were victorious.

With two rounds left to go and five teams still battling to three play off positions the Aviva Premiership is going to end with one hell of a bang.

The Yellow Army Will Be Travelling To Twickenham For A Final Battle

Clermont 13 – 9 Saracens

ASM Clermont Auvergue booked their second European final in three seasons thanks to an early second half try from Wesley Fofana but Saracens can leave the Stade Geoffory – Guichard with their heads held high having given the French side a real semi – final battle.

Sarries captain Brad Barrett led the dogged defensive performance, saying “These big games are always on a knife edge and we fell on the wrong side, but I am very impressed with the guts we showed to come to place like this and I am sure we can come back next year.”

It was a sea of noise and yellow in the St Etienne stadium as both sides came out to arm wrestle for control with last year’s finalists taking the lead.

The first points didn’t come till the 14th minute as Charlie Hodgson scored a drop goal to make sure Saracens had something on the scoresheet. Four minutes later Naipolioni Nalaga was denied the first try of the match for Clemont as the ball went wide to the Fijian winger, but Chris Ashton was there to make a try saving tackle.

The home side did get their first points of the game with fly half Brock James scoring a penalty to bring the French side level. Then with four minutes of the first half to go, Hodgson restored the lead for Mark McCall’s men with a penalty to make it 6 – 3.

The English club would have hoped to be six points up, but with the last kick of the half Hodgson’s penalty went wide.

Half – Time – Clermont 3 – 6 Saracens

Three minutes after the interval Clermont took the lead with the only try of the game as a smart kick from James over the Sarries defences for Fofana to pick up the bouncing ball to cross the whitewash as the Aussie fly half added the extras to make it 10 – 6.

Owen Farrell came off the replacements bench to bring the visitors back into the game slotting in a penalty from a difficult angle on 65 minutes. However, with eight minutes to go Saracens conceded a penalty in their own half with James sealing a place in the final of the ‘Yellow Army’.

England fullback Nick Abendanon now believes this is Clermont Auvergne’s year to win the European Cup after years of trying.

“It is another final for Clermont and we honestly believe this is our year. We have worked so hard to get that, hopefully, it will be our year.

“It has been a hell of a ride in the Champions Cup this season. We have beaten Munster home and away, Northampton Saints and now Saracens here in St Etienne.”

Abendanon described his experience of the ‘Yellow Army’ coming into the stadium, saying “I was sitting next to Jonathan Davies on the bus coming to the stadium and I have never heard anything like it before. The fans were fantastic and I just turned to Jonathan and said this is why we came to France.

“The noise in the stadium was deafening and you simply don’t experience anything like that kind of atmosphere in English rugby.”

Finally, the fullback is now just looking forward to finding out who his side will face in the final at Twickenham.

“Clermont and Toulon are bitter rivals and it would make for a fantastic spectacle if we met them in the final. But you can never write off Lenister.

“I’m just going to put up my feet and watch the game with eager anticipation. Then roll on the final in two weeks time.”

Scorecard

14 mins – Hodgson (Drop Goal) – 0 – 3

25 mins – James (Pen) – 3 – 3

36 mins – Hodgson (Pen) – 3 – 6

43 mins – Fofana (Try) – 8 – 6

44 mins – James (Con) – 10 – 6

65 mins – Farrell (Pen) – 10 – 9

72 mins – James (Pen) – 13 – 9

With Three Rounds To Go Who Will Be Left Standing

We are in the final stages of the Aviva Premiership and after round 19 the battle to secure a play off position is getting tighter and tighter. Expect it to get even more exciting as there are only three rounds to go. 

It began on Friday when Bath travelled to Kingston park to face Newcastle and the big talking point before the match was Sam Burgess moving from centre into the back row and it looked like this could be a position we see more of the rugby league convert in as the season finishes.

The game was exciting and this is what we are now expecting when teams travel to the North East to take on the Falcons and Mike Ford will be happy to have left with a bonus point 29 – 19 victory.

Man of the Match Ollie Devoto got the visitors their first try and was joined by Semesa Rokoduguni, Anthony Watson and Matt Banahan with George Ford kicking nine points.

Whilst Sinoti Sinoti scored a brilliant consolation try for Newcastle, even Rory Clegg scoring 12 points and replacement Tom Catterick's penalty wasn’t enough.

The bonus point win was much needed for Bath as Saracens continued the celebrations of beating Racing Metro last week to win 22 – 6 against Leicester at Allianz Park.

Sarries went into the break with a slim 7 – 6 lead thanks to Billy Vunipola crashing over before the half time whistle.

After the interval, the Wolfpack took advantage when Tom Youngs was sin binned for the Tigers as Marcelo Bosch and Chris Wyles scored in the space of eight minutes at the start of the second half.

Were was a great contest between Harlequins and Gloucester at the Stoop as the host gave hope of qualifying for next year’s Champions Cup clinching a 29 – 26 victory.

In a match which saw four sin bins, two for each team, and when the Cherry and Whites were down to 13 men, Ollie Lindsay – Hague scored the clinical try which gave Quins the win.

Marland Yarde and Charlie Walker also crossed the whitewash for the hosts with Nick Evans kicking 14 points.

Greg Laidlaw had a good day with the boot for Gloucester scoring 11 points and the fly half was joined on the scoresheet by Charlie Sharples, Bill Meakes and Dan Robson.

It was an action packed final day of round 19 as Tom Varndell grabbed a hat – trick against London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium as Wasps recorded their first Premiership away win of 2015.

However, despite being confirmed relegated last week, Welsh showed they’ve not lost any of their fight trailing the visitors by four points shortly after the interval.

But with Varndell scoring two tries in the first half, Wasps had too much class in the second half with Ashley Johnson crashing over as Varndell added his third before Sailosi Tagicakibau and Alapati Leiua got in on the action.

Despite going down to another defeat the Exiles can be proud of themselves with Opeti Fonua and Chris Elder going over in each half.

Elsewhere, Alex Lewington scored a double for London Irish as they dented Sale’s hopes of finishing in the top six of the Aviva Premiership in an electrifying 25 – 23 victory at the Madejski Stadium.

This game also had problems with discipline as four players were also sent to the sin bin, three of them coming from Irish but it didn’t stop them at the end.

Lewington wasn’t the only player scoring a double in this game as Tom Arscott also scored two tries for the Sharks and he was joined by fullback Mike Haley while Andrew Fenby grabbed a third try for Irish.

The difference in this game were the fly halves as Chris Noakes scored ten points compared to Danny Cipriani’s eight.

The big game of this round was at Sandy Park as Exeter welcomed Northampton and showcased a devastating display to record a Premiership double over the reigning champions winning 21 – 10.

In a game that saw poor discipline and handling from the Saints, as well as three players being sent to the sin bin, this was Northampton’s fourth defeat in the Premiership this season with two of those losses being against the impressive Chiefs.

In a highly entertaining game Phil Dollman scored the first try of the game before James Wilson scored a fantastic try to bring the visitors back into it. A penalty try in the second half all but secured Saints' fate before Henry Slade took control of the game with the boot but Jamie Elliot was able to score a last minute try for Northampton.

The win moved Chiefs ahead of Leicester with Rob Baxter’s men now sitting pretty in fourth place.

It Was All Bish, Bash, Bosch In The Quarter - Finals Of The Champions Cup

The quarter – finals of the Champions Cup didn’t go to plan for three of the four English teams as Bath travelled to Ireland to take on Leinster as the West Country side looked to avenge the Six Nations result between the two nations.

Meanwhile, Northampton, Saracens and Wasps all travelled to France to face Clermont, Racing Metro and Toulon respectively.

It was a sense of bish, bash, Bosch for Saracens as Argentine Marcelo Bosch kicked a last gasp penalty to ensure there was going to be some representation from the Aviva Premiership still in Europe.

In a nail biting game in Paris, Maxine Machenaud scored the only try of the game for Racing Metro as they went into half time leading 11 – 9 before Bosch’s penalty secured a 12 – 11 victory whilst breaking French hearts on the way.

In a fortnights time Saracens have to travel across the channel once again to face Clermont Auvergne and see if they can produce the same domination as last year when they rampaged to a 46 – 6 victory.

Elsewhere, Northampton will be fully focused on retaining the Aviva Premiership as they suffered a humbling 37 – 5 defeat at the hands of Clermont Auvergne.

Saints were trailing 27 – 0 at the break with Noa Nakaitaci grabbing a double and his fellow France international Wesley Fofana, as well as full back Nick Abendanon, added more after the interval.

Alex Waller grabbed a consolation try but it was a day highlighting the strengths of the French team, mainly the creative flair of former Bath player Abendanon who like many of English exiles is blooming in France. If he continues to play like this we could see him getting a call to join the England World Cup squad.

The weekend started in Dublin as Bath fell just short with a 18 – 15 defeat to Leinster with the boot of Ian Madigan doing all the damage as ill discipline plagued the travellers and ended their chance to clinch a famous victory. 

George Ford scored an excellent solo try in the first half before setting up Stuart Hooper in the second, however poor handling was also to blame as the experience of Jamie Heaslip and co with Madigan’s terrific kicking display booked them a semi final to France in a fortnights time.

The weekend ended with an incredibly spirited Wasps side going to Toulon to face the Champions but the midlands team can leave with their heads held high going down to a 32 – 18 defeat.

The hosts led 22 – 6 at half time with six penalties from Fraderic Michalak and a Mathieu Bastareaud try, but Wasps fought back as Tongan international Will Helu crossed the whitewash twice.

It closed the gap to just seven points, but Ali Williams’ late try sealed the victory for Toulon who now welcome Leinster to the Stade Velodrome.