Toulon sink Edinburgh in Challenge Cup opener

On a night celebrating the club’s 30-year European story, with members of the 1996 side honoured at half-time and the anniversary jersey worn for the first time, the capital side twice fought back to within three points but could never quite get ahead of the three-time European champions.

The evening began with a moment’s silence in memory of Lions player Hyron Andrews, whose death was announced shortly before kick-off.

Toulon had more of the ball early on, but Edinburgh’s defence held firm. Apete Narogo lost the ball as he went to ground over the line, and two Jaminet penalties were all the visitors had to show for their territory.

The second was a huge strike from inside his own half. Edinburgh’s scrum was on top throughout, and a lively Darcy Graham, starting for the first time this season, helped spark the hosts’ best spell.

Tom Currie was turned over on the line before James Grayson’s 38th-minute penalty made it 6-3 at the break.

Jaminet struck again three minutes after the restart. Following a turnover, he chipped over the defence and regathered to score.

Edinburgh’s response was immediate and sharp. Ewan Ashman’s quick lineout found Currie down the left, and the hooker took the return pass to finish. Grayson converted.

Setariki Tuicuvu then powered over from a delayed Ben White pass off a lineout drive, but Edinburgh refused to fold. Replacement Geordie Gwynn, on for Graham, pounced on a loose Toulon pass with his first touch and raced clear. Grayson’s conversion cut the gap to 20-17.

That was as close as Edinburgh would come. Toulon’s forwards hammered at the line, and Jaminet completed his double from Baptiste Serin’s assist. Piers O’Conor’s yellow card for a high tackle then ended any hope of a late reply.

There were frustrations, chiefly an inconsistent lineout and costly turnovers in good positions. There was plenty to build on too, not least the scrum and the fight shown to stay in the contest against top-quality opposition.

With Vannes, Harlequins and Black Lion still to come in Pool 3, there is time to put things right. Attention now returns to the URC, with the Lions due at Hive Stadium next week.