RC Toulon begins its Champions Cup journey this Saturday against Stormers in Port Elizabeth. the Varois will be keen to offer their supporters a better face on the international scene than last season.
4 matches for 4 defeats, this was the sad record of RC Toulon last year in the Champions Cup with logically an early elimination in the first round without ever showing a conquering face. Pierre Mignoni (coach) and Frank Azéma (manager) do not have a huge memory of the RCT journey. They are also aware that things must be managed differently this season with more solidarity in the group and a desire to strengthen the bond between their protégés on long journeys. Mignoni’s watchword this week was “living together”, and this desire to believe that success comes first through human exchanges and a broader relationship. On the other hand, the three consecutive victories in the Top 14 against Lyon, Bayonne and Perpignan should help the people of Toulouse to approach this competition with full confidence but also with a lot of humility.
Biggar holder, Ollivon and Garbisi left to rest
Because opposite the Stormers team will be able to count in its ranks the South African international fly-half Manie Libbock. Springbok hooker Joseph Dweba will also be there. Even if the club only occupies the current 13th place in the Union Rugby Championship with two defeats in the last two outings, the team has the talents and the character to make the Varois doubt. Brilliant last season in this competition, John Dobson’s men suffered a cruel defeat at home in the round of 16 against La Rochelle (21-22).
The South African franchise often relies on tough duels in these encounters, determined by a clean victory and decisive turnovers. This match will also be a confrontation between two playing philosophies. Toulon, faithful to its tradition, favors pragmatic rugby, based on the domination of the forwards and intelligent management of highlights. The Stormers, meanwhile, rely on more fluid rugby, looking to exploit spaces with their speed and attacking flair. A style confrontation which should give a lot of lessons to the Toulounais staff who left Ollivon, Garbisi and Lucchesi to rest while Biggar will start at the opening alongside Baptiste Serin, confirmed at scrum half. Strong choices which we hope will not sabotage the chances of the RCT from the start of this competition.
What time will the meeting take place?
The meeting between Stormers and RC Toulon which will be managed by Mr. Karl Dickson will take place this Saturday at 4:15 p.m. at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Which TV channel is Stormers – RC Toulon broadcast on?
This match on the first day of the 2023/2024 Champions Cup will be broadcast jointly by France 3 and Bein Sport 3.
What streaming broadcast for this match?
To watch the match in streaming, you can connect to the Bein Connect platform or to the France TV platform (free).
The starting compositions
Stormers starting XV: 15. Gelant; 14. Hartzenberg, 13. Nel, 12. du Plessis, 11. Zas; 10. Libbok, 9. de Wet; 7. Dixon, 8. Engelbrecht, 6. Morabe; 5. van Heerden, 4. Schickerling; 3. Fouche (cape), 2. Dweba, 1. Vermaak.
The starting XV of RC Toulon: 15. Domon; 14. Drean, 13. Sinzelle, 12. Smaili, 11. Villiere; 10. Biggar, 9. Canary; 7. Coulon, 8. Isa, 6. Ludlam; 5. Ribbans (cape), 4. Halagahu; 3. Sinckler, 2. Baubigny, 1. Priso.
The different coasts
The South African club is slightly favorite for this confrontation against Toulon
Winamax: Stormers 1.49 / Draw 21.00 / Toulon 2.60.
Unibet: Stormers 1.46 / Draw 20.00 / Toulon 2.52.
Sports bets: Stormers 1.45 / Draw 20.00 / Toulon 2.75.