Glasgow's Champions Cup Hopes Dashed by Toulon in Quarter-Final

Glasgow Warriors' bid to reach their first Investec Champions Cup semi-final was thwarted by a 22-19 defeat at the hands of RC Toulon at Scotstoun. Despite being favourites due to their strong home record and Toulon's domestic struggles, Franco Smith's side fell short. The three-time European champions Toulon secured a spot in the last four, where they will face either Leinster or Sale, by scoring four tries to Glasgow's three. Glasgow were forced to make a late change before kick-off, with Macenzzie Duncan replacing the injured Max Williamson on the bench. 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 inside sent Stafford McDowall over for the first try. Toulon responded quickly, with Jeremy Sinzelle moving the ball onto Gael Drean to score. A trademark run by Kyle Steyn took Glasgow back into Toulon territory, but Sione Tuipulotu was held up just short of the line. After a warning for ill-discipline, Junior Kpoku was shown a yellow card, and Glasgow capitalized on the extra man. McDowall picked out Ollie Smith with 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 that tied the score at 12-12. Toulon took the lead for the first time when Melvyn Jaminet passed wide to Drean, who used his pace to score his second try. Glasgow regained the lead in the second half, with Gregor Hiddleston breaking off to stretch for the line. Toulon enjoyed a period of pressure close to the Glasgow line but were repelled by the defence. They finally broke through when Nacho Brex picked a gap and burst through to power to the line. Warriors had one last flurry, but Toulon forced the turnover to seal the win. In another match, Leinster Rugby ran in six tries to trounce Sale Sharks 43-13 and book their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals, where they will face Toulon. Leinster got off to a perfect start at the Aviva Stadium, with hooker Dan Sheehan crashing over to score a 10th-minute try. Sharks reduced the deficit with a penalty from George Ford, but they were down to 14 men when Dan du Preez was shown a yellow card. Full-back Hugo Keenan stretched Leinster's lead with a second try, and flanker Ryan Baird crossed for a third. Wingers Rieko Ioane and Tommy O'Brien followed suit, with Harry Byrne adding the conversions. Sale replacement Alex Willis touched down in the corner, but a Byrne penalty and a converted Jamie Osborne try sealed a convincing win for Leinster.