Glasgow Warriors' bid to reach their first Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment with a 22-19 loss to RC Toulon at Scotstoun. Despite being favorites due to their strong home form and Toulon's domestic struggles, Franco Smith's side fell short. The three-time European champions, Toulon, edged the match with four tries to Glasgow's three, setting up a semi-final against either Leinster or Sale.
Glasgow was forced to make a late change before kickoff, with Macenzzie Duncan replacing the injured Max Williamson. The home team took the lead after a cautious start, with Toulon racking up penalties in their own 22. Alex Samuel secured the lineout, and Ben Afshar's pass sent Stafford McDowall over for the first try. However, Toulon quickly responded with a try of their own, as Jeremy Sinzelle moved the ball to Gael Drean to dot down.
A trademark run by Kyle Steyn carried Glasgow back into Toulon territory, but Sione Tuipulotu was held up just short of the line. Toulon's ill-discipline was warned by referee Karl Dickson, and Junior Kpoku was eventually shown a yellow card. Glasgow took advantage of the extra man, with McDowall picking out Ollie Smith for a brilliant pass, allowing the winger to score.
The hosts soon found themselves on the back foot, and Jean-Baptiste Gros crept over the line for a converted try, tying the score at 12-12. Toulon then took the lead for the first time, with Melvyn Jaminet passing wide to Drean, who used his pace to score his second try. Glasgow started the second half on top, regaining the lead as Gregor Hiddleston broke off the lineout maul to stretch for the line.
Toulon enjoyed a period of pressure close to the Glasgow line but was eventually repelled, with the defense standing firm before winning a penalty to ease the danger. However, Toulon finally broke through when Nacho Brex picked a gap and burst through to power all the way to the line.
Warriors enjoyed one last flurry, but their opponents forced the turnover to seal the win.