Du Preez helps Toulon maintain winning run
CHALLENGE CUP WRAP: Toulon recorded a 34-23 victory at Worcester Warriors in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday to make it two wins from two in Pool A.
Flyhalf Fin Smith kicked three penalties to hand Worcester an early lead at Sixways Stadium, with Toulon counterpart Anthony Belleau – who tallied 14 points on the evening – slotting a solitary three-pointer for the visitors.
But Toulon flank Cornell Du Preez went over with half an hour played and No.8 Facundo Isa then crossed six minutes later as the three-time European champion took control of the contest.
Belleau nudged another penalty for Toulon after the break before wing Gabin Villiere and lock Lopeti Timan both dotted down to extend their lead further.
Worcester threatened to produce a comeback as wings Duhan Van Der Merwe and Harri Doel both crossed in quick succession, the latter’s score coming with over 10 minutes to play.
Toulon held on, however, and head into their Round 4 clash at home to Newcastle Falcons next weekend hoping for a third straight win in this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup.
Worcester meanwhile will continue their search for a first victory in Pool A as they travel to Zebre Parma.
In the other fixtures, Benetton came from behind to maintain their 100 percent win record in the EPCR Challenge Cup this season as they beat Dragons 23-9 in Round 3 on Saturday.
A late conversion from Paddy Jackson gave London Irish a dramatic 21-20 win over Edinburgh Rugby.
While Lyon cruised to a 37-6 win at USAP to make it three wins from three in Pool B.
The scores and scorers:
Benetton 23-9 Dragons
For Benetton
Tries: Herbst, Padovani, Baravalle
Con: Smith
Pens: Smith 2
For Dragons
Pens: S Davies 3
Worcester Warriors 23-34 Toulon
For Worcester Warriors:
Tries: Van der Merwe, Doel
Cons: Smith 2
Pens: Smith 3
For Toulon:
Tries: Du Preez, Isa, Villiere, Gigashvili
Cons: Belleau 4
Pens: Belleau 2
London Irish 21-20 Edinburgh
For London Irish
Tries: Rowe, Hoskins, Cracknell
Cons: Jackson 3
For Edinburgh
Tries: McBurney, Moyano
Cons: Boffelli 2
Pens: Van der Walt 2
USAP 6-37 Lyon
For USAP:
Pens: Rodor 2
For Lyon:
Tries: Taofifenua, Couilloud, Niniashvili, Laporte, Charcosset
Cons: Sopoaga, Berdeu
Pen: Sopoaga
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