Bayonne get 'job done' against star-studded Toulon
TOP14 WRAP: Fullback Gaetan Germain scored 25 points as Bayonne notched up an invaluable 35-29 victory over Toulon in the Top 14 on Saturday.
“The job is done and once again our solidarity was key,” said Bayonne lock Guillaume Ducat.
Germain hit seven penalties and converted two first-half tries by Aymeric Luc and Filimo Taofifenua.
That second try came with Toulon’s former All Black centre Ma’a Nonu in the sin-bin for a technical foul.
Toulon notched up tries from Gervais Cordin, South Africa’s World Cup-winning lock Eben Etzebeth, Baptiste Serin as well as a late penalty try with Bayonne down to 13 men.
But it was all in vain as the home side, promoted back into the Top 14 in 2019, held on to buck a four-match losing streak against Toulon dating back to 2016 and consolidate their mid-table position.
“They deserved their win,” said Toulon coach Patrice Collazo, lamenting a first half that featured an “incalculable number of tackles” as Bayonne raced out to a 29-10 lead.
“If there some disappointed players, I’m going to become a little bit annoyed. To be disappointed, you have to do things.”
Saturday’s early match saw Stade Francais run out 26-16 winners over Bordeaux-Begles.
Stade’s forwards coach Laurent Sempere hailed the Parisian club for their form over their last three tricky games.
“They weren’t easy matches, we had Toulouse (48-14), La Rochelle (35-13) and now Bordeaux, so three high-risk games,” he said.
“But the team responded. They’ve been consistent in their performances.”
Top 14 Results:
Bayonne 35 Toulon 29
Stade Francais 26 Bordeaux-Begles 16
Sunday’s Fixture
La Rochelle v Racing 92
