Jonny Wilkinson, Will Greenwood and Richard Cockerill discuss Toulon's historical win
Saturday 2 May 2015 20:32, UK
Jonny Wilkinson, Will Greenwood and Richard Cockerill give their reaction to Toulon’s history making win over Clermont.
Australia wing Drew Mitchell's brilliant late try ensured Toulon became the first club to win three successive European titles as they beat French rivals Clermont 24-18 in a thrilling Champions Cup final at Twickenham on Saturday.
Clermont were 11-3 up midway through the first half yet turned round with Toulon leading 16-11 after Leigh Halfpenny's remorseless boot and a converted try by Mathieu Bastareaud saw the champions into the lead.
But Nick Abendanon's converted try for Clermont just after the hour cut Toulon's lead to a point only for Mitchell to have the last word.
Jonny Wilkinson: I have found it hard to be a neutral today because I am obviously not but I have a huge amount of respect for Clermont and everything that they have done. I know the future is going to be extremely bright for them as it has been over the last few years.
But when I look at that bunch of guys over there, they just deserve it. It is the reward that they have been working for but it is also the inspiration to carry on. They are absolutely driving this to do it for each other and that town [Toulon] and for everyone involved. This will only add to the fire; it is more fuel for the fire.
No one has the right to say they want it more than anyone else but when you get a combination of people and spirit that just seems to work; it connects you tightly. If you saw some of the defence out there; there was a desire that transcends age and nationality. It goes way beyond that and it is that spirit that makes this such a special club.
There will be a great celebration but the guys will hold back – there is still big rugby to be played.
Will Greenwood: You just feel that Clermont want to play with pace and tempo. Parra has not played a lot of rugby and Lopez came in late heavily strapped and the pace seemed to go out of it in that key period.
Both Richard and Jonny said before the game that if Clermont were going to topple Toulon then they had to play their way. But they found themselves playing a little bit in the Toulon way. Toulon are the best club side in the world at playing that style.
Richard Cockerill: It is going to be tough on Clermont obviously. It seems to be the same old story but they have to have a reaction next weekend against Grenoble in the Top 14. They have got to make sure that they win the French Championship because historically they have dropped off in Europe and then dropped off domestically.
You have to feel for them, they are a great city and they are a great club. Toulon are deserved winners, they have played better and there is no getting away from that but a little bit of everybody has to feel sorry for Clermont because they have done so much and again have not come away with anything.
It was tiny margins today - it is not as if Clermont have lost to a poor side; Toulon are very good and they just came up short against them. Clermont got themselves back into the game and potentially put themseleves into a position to win it. Toulon were not quite holding on in the end but they were certainly under pressure.
