Toulon tussle: Edinburgh secure stunning win

In torrential rain, Edinburgh put their illustrious opponents to the sword with an abrasive and committed performance, securing all five points on offer.

The atmosphere was palpable from the start despite the horrid weather, but it was Toulon who initially handled the conditions better, with full-back Melvyn Jaminet striking a rangy drop-goal after a goal-line drop-out from Edinburgh to take the lead (0-3).

The visitors quickly extended their advantage when Scotland international scrum-half Ben White – fired up on his return to Scotland – darted over from five metres out after a series of strong drives from the Toulon pack (0-10).

Edinburgh responded well, however, and were soon on the scoreboard as fly-half Cammy Scott slotted home three points from the tee (3-10).

Five minutes later, another penalty gave Edinburgh excellent field position; a kick to the corner and subsequent lineout drive saw Pierre Schoeman eventually wrestle over to level proceedings (10-10).

Toulon got their noses back in front when White again showed the quickest reactions around the whitewash, taking a quick tap penalty to dive over for his second (10-17).

Edinburgh were scrapping for everything in the rain and won another penalty on half-way, which Scott precisely nudged into the corner. With Ewan Ashman gathering at the tail, he found Ben Vellacott in space out wide who acrobatically finished in the corner (15-17).

Scott split the uprights once again with a penalty kick to give Edinburgh a narrow one-point lead heading into the sheds (18-17).

Paul Hill replaced the impressive 19-year-old tighthead Ollie Blyth Lafferty at the break, who had showcased his strength at scrum time in a fine first professional start.

Scott nudged another penalty over to start the second half and extend Edinburgh’s lead (21-17), but Toulon answered a minute later with a penalty of their own to keep it a one-point game (21-20).

The game’s massive turning point came on 57 minutes when Toulon captain Dave Ribbans struck Liam McConnell in the face after an altercation at the side of a ruck.

Ribbans was shown only a yellow card, a decision which brought the Lothian Stand to its feet in full voice.

Edinburgh worked the ball into the Toulon 22, and with a huge scrum led by replacement Boan Venter, they were deservedly awarded a penalty try (28-20).

Hive Stadium was now jumping, and when Cammy Scott spiralled a superb 50:22 to gain further excellent field position, fans had momentarily forgotten about the horrid weather.

Edinburgh weren’t done yet, and when replacement Boan Venter muscled over from only a metre out, the bonus point and all five points were secured to get Edinburgh’s European campaign off to a belter.

Back-rower Liam McConnell was eventually named Investec Player of the Match after another impressive performance for his hometown club.