Toulon lose 30-21 against La Rochelle!

Last Saturday, Rugby Club Toulonnais lost 30-21 against La Rochelle, on Day 24 of the Top 14.
Toulon travelled to La Rochelle to prepare for next season and try to play a beautiful game, as they had done against Bordeaux-Bègles. They started quite well and showed much commitment. After a line-out, the ball was grabbed by Charles Ollivon and Bastareaud then pierced through the La Rochelle backline. Raphaël Lakafia then scored the game’s first try and Toulon were leading 7-0!
After the ball was played back in, La Rochelle had possession and were given a penalty, converted by New Zealander Ihaia West: 3-7.
Just before half-time, Anthony Belleau tried to convert a 40-metre penalty, but the ball hit the post. Toulon had the upper hand in the first half and played a beautiful game, as Raphaël Lakafia’s try came after a team effort.
After the second half’s first set-scrum, La Rochelle player Kerr-Barlow kicked the ball forward and the home team then stepped up the pace to score their first try of the game. 10-7.
After another set-scrum, La Rochelle grabbed the ball thanks to Kerr-Barlow again and the latter only had to ground the ball. The fly-half, who came on to the pitch after half-time, changed the face of the game and La Rochelle were leading 17-7.
At the 60th minute, after a move initiated 60 metres from the La Rochelle in-goal area, Hugo Bonneval pierced through the backline and passed the ball to Fekitoa, who took his time before giving it to Charles Ollivon, who grounded the ball after a splendid team effort. Only three points between La Rochelle and Toulon!
After several tiny mistakes, New Zealander Ihaia West scored two more penalties for the home team but, after a ruck, Facundo Isa scored Toulon’s third try! 23-21 to La Rochelle.
After the siren had blown, La Rochelle scored their third and final try after keeping the ball for five minutes. West kicked the ball and it was picked up by Roudil, who grounded it.
La Rochelle won 30-21 and Toulon had played beautifully, but they somehow lacked discipline. Now, they will play against Clermont for the final game of the season at the Stade Mayol, on Sunday, May 19th.