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2024 DHL Stormers vs RC Toulonnais

Toulon Upsets DHL Stormers In South Africa During Champions Cup

Toulon Upsets DHL Stormers In South Africa During Champions Cup

Toulon rallied in the second half to score a rare, and major, upset for a European club in South Africa. This one came against the Stormers.

Dec 7, 2024 by Joe Harrington
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The first big upset of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup came when Toulon of the French Top 14 surged in the second half to stun the skidding DHL Stormers in Gqberha on Dec. 7.

The Stormers entered the match struggling in United Rugby Championship play with a 2-0-4 record and now have now lost three matches in a row. 

South Africa rugby clubs generally have dominated on their home grounds against European clubs. But not in Round 1 in Gqeberha, or formerly known as Port Elizabeth. 

Led by the composed playmaking of Baptiste Serin and a strong forward effort, the French side overcame early adversity to secure a vital win.

Toulon Took Early Lead, But Stormers Scored 14 Unanswered Points

Toulon struck first in the fourth minute when Gabin Villière crossed the try line, with Baptiste Serin converting for a 7-0 lead. 

Serin extended Toulon’s advantage with a penalty in the 11th minute, making it 10-0.

The Stormers responded quickly, with Warrick Gelant and Joseph Dweba scoring tries in the 14th and 39th minutes, respectively, both converted by Manie Libbok. The Stormers headed into halftime with a narrow 14-10 lead after weathering Toulon’s early dominance.

Toulon Rallies In Second Half 

Toulon emerged from the break with renewed energy, narrowing the gap with a try from Facundo Isa in the 58th minute, converted by Serin, to retake the lead at 17-14. 

Serin extended Toulon’s advantage moments later, scoring a try in the 64th minute and converting it himself to push the score to 24-14.

Discipline became a significant factor in the closing stages. 

Yannick Youyoutte received a red card in the 71st minute, leaving Toulon with 14 men. A series of yellow cards followed, with Marius Domon (Toulon) and Leolin Zas (Stormers) sent to the sin bin late in the match, but the Stormers failed to capitalize.

What's Next For DHL Stormers, Toulon Rugby?

DHL Stormers travel to England to play the Harlequins, while Toulon returns to the coast of France to play the defending URC Champion Glasgow Warriors. 

DHL Stormers Vs. Toulon Scoring Summary

Toulon: Tries: Villière (4’), Isa (58’), Serin (64’); Conversions: Serin (5’, 59’, 65’); Penalty: Serin (11’)

DHL Stormers: Tries: Gelant (14’), Dweba (39’); Conversions: Libbok (15’, 40’)

Watch DHL Stormers Vs. Toulon Highlights Of Investec Champions Cup In Round 1

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 1

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025  Round 2

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 3

Investec Champions Cup 2024-2025 Round 4

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

  • A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
  • 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
  • Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
  • Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
  • The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

  • Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
  • Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
  • Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
  • Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
  • Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
  • Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
  • Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
  • 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Champions Cup Qualifications 

Twenty-four clubs have qualified for the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup as follows:

  • United Rugby Championship (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • TOP 14 (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • Gallagher Premiership Rugby (8): The eight highest-ranked clubs based on their final finishing positions.
  • If not already qualified, the winner of the 2024 Investec Champions Cup will take the place of the eighth-ranked club in its league.

Investec Champions Cup Qualifiers 

  • TOP 14 – Stade Toulousain, Union Bordeaux-Bègles, Stade Français Paris, RC Toulon, Stade Rochelais, Racing 92, Castres Olympique, ASM Clermont Auvergne
  • GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP – Northampton Saints, Bath Rugby, Sale Sharks, Saracens, Bristol Bears, Harlequins, Exeter Chiefs, Leicester Tigers
  • UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP – Glasgow Warriors, Vodacom Bulls, Munster Rugby, Leinster Rugby, DHL Stormers, Ulster Rugby, Benetton Rugby, Hollywoodbets Sharks

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

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