Armitage sends out ominous warning

The triple European kings beat Bath Rugby 19-14 at the Recreation Ground but still had to settle for Pool Five runners-up spot behind group winners Wasps. They will play Racing 92 in the quarterfinals.

That means Toulon will be on the road come the last eight but with two months for their newcomers to blend in with the established stars, Armitage stresses the best is yet to come.

"Winning this tournament means everything to us,"  Armitage told EPC Rugby.

"Since we had a taste of winning – and having won it three years in a row – we don't want to let it go.

"We are going to do everything we can to hang on to it. We are not playing at our best yet and a lot of players are still trying to find their feet but once we gel I think it is going to be very good to watch.

"I am happy we came through – though it was a bit nervy at the end."

Backs coach Steve Meehan, back at his old stamping ground, also admitted the champions have been below par throughout the tournament so far,

"We have not played well over the six games but we are through and that is all that really matters – though the final whistle was the most pleasing aspect of the game.

"There is no doubt we are not hitting our straps but the quality of players we have means we have great strength in depth and that is what is providing us with wins at the moment.

"It was a difficult game and not as free flowing as everyone would have liked but it was good theatre.

"They are still getting to know each other as some did not come in until the end of November so we are struggling to create combinations at the moment. They don't feel at home with one another but they are getting there."

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