Mathieu Bastareaud expects another tough challenge against Leinster

The Toulon players understand that the job is only half done following Sunday's victory and given that they now face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium they weren't about to make any wild pronouncements ahead of Saturday's game.

The French side managed to eke out a victory despite making fewer metres (254 to 323), fewer line breaks (three to Leinster’s six), conceding more turnovers ( 15 to 12), and losing four lineouts to the visitors’ three.

Toulon were vulnerable on the day but the Irish province just couldn’t capitalise.

Toulon centre Mathieu Bastareaud expects a reprise of the physical nature of Sunday’s contest when the sides meet again this weekend.

“Leinster is a tough team and gave us the game we expected. For us, everything was not as it should have been, and that showed.”

Pride

He added that the French club were happy to get out with the result but that a similar performance in Dublin probably would not suffice, pointing out that Leinster, with three defeats already, would play for their pride.

“They troubled us greatly in the rucks; we had slow ball, when our gameplan was to secure quick ball.

“We trained like that all week. We didn’t find a solution to reverse the pressure. They were organised and they defended well.”

Toulon coach Bernard Laporte admitted: “When we play at home, you always hope the bonus, but against teams of this quality, it’s not easy.

“But we have the chance to qualify [from the pool].

“Now we must turn to the game in Leinster. We will go with determination and the motivation it takes. It will be a final. It’s either you win and continue, or one loses and is eliminated.”

Critical

Meanwhile, French sports newspaper L'Equipe was critical of Leinster and Ireland outhalf Jonathan Sexton.

“Sexton, the idol of Ireland, who returned home, yesterday played as he often did during his time at Racing 92: transparent, making multiple poor decisions.

“Visibly, completely out of touch, he symbolises the impotence of his club.

“As in 2013, the Irish certainly won’t see the knockout phase of the tournament.

“In the Celtic League, they are currently fourth, seven points behind Llanelli. The season is in danger of being a long one in Dublin.”

Sexton and Leinster will have the right to reply where it matters most, on the pitch, come Saturday evening.