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Semifinal Bound: Toulon Advances Past Castres, Joins Bordeaux-Bègles

Toulon enthusiasts demonstrated their prowess in the second half of the game on Saturday night, bagging six tries to triumph (52-23). They stand a chance to vie for a spot in the final for the first time since 2017, on Saturday, June 21st.

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Toulon triumphantly advances to the playoff semifinals, scoring six tries in a dominant second...
Toulon triumphantly advances to the playoff semifinals, scoring six tries in a dominant second period (52-23), on a Saturday night. They'll vie for a spot in the final, marking their first attempt since 2017, on June 21.

Semifinal Bound: Toulon Advances Past Castres, Joins Bordeaux-Bègles

In an electrifying turn of events, the Rugby Club Toulonnais snatched a fierce comeback over Castres, advancing to the Top 14 semi-finals with a dominating 52-23 victory. Trailing 12-10 at half-time, the Tarn side crumbled under the relentless onslaught of Toulon's impressive final spree.

Facing elimination at the same stage last year, Pierre Mignoni's troops took the bitter lesson to heart and are now set to take on Union Bordeaux-Bègles for a coveted spot in the final on June 21.

For much of the game, Castres held their ground against the Var side, but a disastrous final ten minutes saw them succumb to four tries. In spite of being reduced to 14 men due to Louis Le Brun's high tackle, Castres still claimed the initial score on the Stade Félix-Mayol thanks to Abraham Papali'i's powerful charge.

The Toulonnais found solace in Melvyn Jaminet's accurate kicking to keep the score tantalizingly tight during the first half. An accidental offside on an Esteban Abadie try denied them a potential lead before halftime, though they still clung to a slim 13-10 advantage due to Jaminet's fourth penalty.

In a stunning turn of events, Jiuta Wainiqolo cracked the code for the red and black club at the start of the second half, dizzyingly dashing through to score. Baptiste Serin quickly followed suit, and despite valiant efforts from Castres, Toulon's unyielding onslaught left them reeling and vulnerable.

Argentine international Facundo Isa dashed through for a decisive try in the closing stages of the game, sealing the deal for Toulon, while Ben White hammered the final nail into Castres' coffin.

Long-maligned, Toulon finally broke their opponent in the closing stages, with a late try from veteran Ma'a Nonu shining among the highlights. As a result, the Mayol Stadium witnessed the rugged Toulon storm into the Top 14's semi-finals for the first time since 2017[2].

Reflecting on the match, RCT director Pierre Mignoni expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, but demanded more from his players if they are to win the Top 14. In a week's time, Toulon will clash with second-placed Union Bordeaux-Bègles in Lyon, with the winner facing the victor of the Toulouse-Bayonne semi-final[3].

[1] RCT secures Top 14 semi-finals spot after dominating Castres[2] France24: Rugby Club Toulon storms into Top 14 semi-finals for the first time in four years[3] ESPN: Toulonnais overcome Castres to reach Top 14 semi-finals[4] Le Figaro: Toulon rejoices after a long-awaited semi-final berth[5] RugbyNews – Daily Dish: Toulon qualifies for Top 14 semis with victory over Castres

  1. With the Top 14 semi-finals in sight, the Toulonnais are now gearing up for a thrilling encounter against Union Bordeaux-Bègles, having demonstrated their prowess in sports through their recent victories on the field.
  2. As they prepare for the next big sports challenge against Union Bordeaux-Bègles, the Toulonnais have high hopes of making it to the final, learning from their successes and setbacks in previous sports events, such as their impressive 52-23 victory over Castres.

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