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🇫🇷 France /Sports

Toulon edges European champions UBB in season finale; playoff hopes hinge on final match for Bordeaux

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Toulon defeated European champions UBB (Bordeaux-Bègles) 27-22 in their final match of the season, securing a victory with late penalties from Melvyn Jaminet.
  • Fly-half Tomás Albornoz was instrumental, scoring two tries in the first half to put Toulon ahead.
  • UBB, despite a strong second-half comeback fueled by their bench, missed a crucial opportunity to solidify their playoff position and must now win their next match to qualify.

Toulon concluded their season on a high note, securing a hard-fought 27-22 victory against European champions Union Bordeaux-Bègles (UBB). Despite already being eliminated from playoff contention, the RCT delivered a spirited performance at home, clinching the win in the final minutes thanks to two long-range penalties from fullback Melvyn Jaminet.

Toulon finished on a high note.

— Le FigaroDescribing the team's final match performance.

Fly-half Tomás Albornoz was a standout performer for Toulon, scoring two tries in the first half that set the tone for the match. The Argentinian international has become a key player for the team since his arrival, showcasing impressive vision and a powerful left boot that perfectly complements coach Pierre Mignoni's strategy.

UBB, fresh off their Champions Cup triumph, staged a significant comeback in the second half, largely due to the impact of their substitutes, including prop Ben Tameifuna. However, their efforts were ultimately not enough to overcome Toulon's resilience and Jaminet's clutch kicking. The loss was a missed opportunity for UBB, who now face a must-win situation in their final league game against Clermont to secure a playoff spot.

His vision and his typically South American left foot blend wonderfully into Pierre Mignoni's system.

— Le FigaroPraising fly-half Tomás Albornoz's contribution.

While Toulon may not have had a "great" season overall, they gained valuable experience, including a semi-final appearance in the Champions Cup. The team aims to compete for top honors in the league next season. For UBB, the focus shifts immediately to their upcoming match, where qualification for the finals hangs in the balance.

It's becoming a habit. After a difficult first half, Union Bordeaux-Bègles completely turned the tide in the second half, benefiting from the arrival of its leaders.

— Le FigaroCommenting on UBB's second-half resurgence.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.