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In order to create history it takes something exceptional and last night at Twickenham Stadium we witnessed Toulon deliver the extraordinary against fearsome opposition, opposition that pushed them to their limits and opposition that would have also been deserving of the Champions Title.
There was a concern that this Final wouldn’t live up to its very high potential, the concern was that both sides would tighten given the prizes on the line, however thankfully this view was lightyears from the reality. Clermont opened the match at a blistering pace, they looked comfortable and ready for this year to finally be their time. Nick Abendanon's sublime hands put away Napolioni Nalaga charging down the left wing, try line in sight... only the great Bryan Habana could deny the score. Lopez's boot put the opening points on the scoreboard and they pressed on playing the type of rugby that we love them for. In short it was perfect opening for a side that would have been riddled with nerves and their Yellow Army in the stands loved it. However with four World Cup Winners and seven hundred and fifty nine caps in their starting line up Toulon channeled their experience and slowly but surely began to wrestle the match back. Ali Williams’ led the charge, this work rate was phenomenal, he disrupted copious lineouts and you could be forgiven for thinking that you were watching his All Blacks debut and not his European swan song. Leigh Halfpenny’s boot inflicted the damage on the scoreboard and as the momentum shifted back the Yellow Army in the crowd fell into a nervous silence.
It was a brutal and intense test match, it was a game that you couldn't take you eyes off for a second for fear of missing something however there were two moments of magic in the second half that eclipsed the rest and ultimately decided the Final. Clermont never found the fluid heights of their opening minutes however they did resurrected themselves after the break and Nick Abendanon’s majestic chip and collect ignited their cause once again. Mercurial as ever few could criticise Abendanon for his efforts, his first half mistake that ultimately led to Bastareaud will haunt him however regardless he was mesmeric. The second magical moment came from a man that may well be back a Twickenham in a few months time for the Rugby World Cup, Drew Mitchell. Mitchell was studious throughout and his break that left six Clermont defenders clutching at thin air was one of the best that the competition has seen this year, it was a dagger in the hearts of Clermont and the perfect final score to seal history for his side.
As with all sporting finals the contrast of emotions between the victors and the losers at the final whistle was vast. As Toulon donned their winners medals and greats of the game, Heyman, Botha and Smith signed off their European accounts in style the tears rolled down the faces of the Clermont squad for once again they had fallen short and their hearts were breaking. The fact that it took a piece of sublime skill to finally put them to bed will do nothing to console the side and the disappointment that Brock James must have felt watching injured from the bench is too much to think of now, for we all know that James would have taken the game by the scruff of the next and managed Giteau better than his understudy. Clermont’s Head Coach Franck Azéma said they would move on quickly and not dwell on the result however I think that we all know that his side will take a long time to recover from such a defeat.
There are some that believe Toulon's success isn't authentic as it has been built off the very deep pockets of Mourad Boudjellal however any player of the game will tell you that it takes more than money to achieve such continued and sustained success. As we have seen on many occasions, particularly in the round ball game, unless individuals have the desire to work for each other, better themselves and achieve together, the true heights of success can never be achieved.
View the Out On The Full Photos from Twickenham here
View the Out On The Full Photos from Twickenham here
