In a high-octane clash at Stade Mayol, Toulon triumphed over Bath Rugby with a thrilling 45-34 victory in the Investec Champions Cup, featuring a blistering nine tries between the two sides.
This outcome leaves all six teams in Pool Two evenly matched with one win and one loss each after their first two games. However, Bath’s bonus point propels them to the top of the group standings with six points, while the other teams trail closely behind on five points apiece.
The match opened with Finn Russell kicking two penalties, sandwiching a try from Brian Alainu’uese that gave Toulon a narrow 7-6 lead. Mateo Garcia responded for the hosts with a penalty following a Bath ruck infringement. Bath surged ahead through Ted Hill’s first try, though Garcia quickly pegged the score back with a second penalty, leveling the game at 13-13.
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Toulon regained momentum when Juan Ignacio Brex capitalized on a powerful run from Kyle Sinckler to extend the lead by eight points. Garcia added his third penalty, but Bath fought back once more as Russell’s clever delayed pass found Santi Carreras for a try.
Sinckler’s forceful runs continued to trouble Bath’s defense, setting up Gael Drean’s line-break try that restored Toulon’s eight-point advantage. Bath refused to back down, with Arthur Green grounding the ball to narrow the deficit to just one point.
Toulon secured a try bonus point when Lewis Ludlam crossed the line, but Bath’s Max Ojomoh quickly responded, passing short to Louie Hennessey, who reduced the gap to four points. The game concluded with a penalty and a try from Teddy Baubigny, ensuring Toulon held on for the win.
Despite Bath’s defeat, their resilience and bonus point keep them leading Pool Two, setting the stage for an electrifying remainder of the group phase.