Wilkinson can't save Toulon
Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:06
England star Jonny Wilkinson kicked 26 points, but was unable to prevent big-spending Toulon from crashing to a 31-36 defeat by Racing-Metro on Friday, the club's second home defeat of the season.
Wilkinson kicked eight penalties and converted Argentine flank Juan Martin Fernandez-Lobbe's 73rd-minute try.
But Racing were worthy winners, scoring three tries through flank Antoine Battut, Italian centre Andrea Masi and Fiji wing Sireli Bobo as the ambitious Paris side moved into third place in the Top 14 table with a second victory in three games.
Racing also celebrated seeing Argentine star flyhalf Juan Martin Hernandez coming off the bench to kick a penalty and convert Bobo's score to register his first points since his move from South African Super 14 side the Sharks.
Hernandez, who spent five seasons at Stade Francais, replaced Jonathan Wisniewski on the hour mark.
"I am very happy to see Juan on the pitch. It's good to see his return. It gives me a lot of pleasure and I believe the team also," said Racing coach Pierre Berbizier.
"It's always important for a team to win at Toulon, a place where I haven't won very often. It's a great satisfaction for everyone."
Toulon lost their season opener at home to Bayonne, but bounced back with a 13-3 win at last season's European Cup finalists Biarritz.
Racing slumped to a 36-19 defeat at Montpellier last week, having opened their campaign with a 23-18 win against Brive.
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal was dismayed by his team's latest limp display.
"There wasn't a lot to make me smile. We will go to La Rochelle next and try to take the four points there. I have confidence in the team at the moment, it's a long season," he said.
"But we are not going to draw too many conclusions because we have lost twice at home."
AFP
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