Live Toulon v Saracens: Lineups and latest updates from Champions Cup

Telegraph

05-04-2025

05 April 2025 11:50am
11:46AM
Ribbans: It would feel wrong to play for Springboks after England
Among the banners waved by fervent Toulon fans is one that proclaims 'God save Ribbans', featuring the image of their captain sketched over a St George's Cross.
Stade Mayol is one of the most vibrant venues in European rugby union, so to be regarded as its king, even implicitly, represents a formidable feat. The nickname 'Ribeye' did not follow Dave Ribbans from Northampton Saints, but Toulon supporters adore him.
The 29-year-old is rightly proud of the affection his performances have earned. And despite being unavailable to England head coach Steve Borthwick, he could well muscle himself into contention for a trip to Australia with the British and Irish Lions. Locks that weigh more than 20st, stand 6ft 8in and contribute around the pitch are rare.
Our senior rugby writer Charlie Morgan has sat down for an interview with Toulon's captain today David Ribbans.
11:37AM
Teams
Toulon starting XV: Jaminet; Wainiqolo, Fainga'anuku, Sinzelle, Villiere; Garbisi, White; Gros, Baubigny, Sinckler, Halagahu, Ribbans (capt), Ludlam, Abadie, Isa.
Replacements: Lucchesi, Priso, Gigashvili, Alainu'uese, Le Corvec, Serin, Domon, Tuicuvu.
Saracens starting XV: Goode; Elliott, Tompkins, Hartley, Hall; Burke, Van Zyl (capt); Mawi, Dan, Riccioni, Isiekwe, Tizard, McFarland, Gonzalez, Onyeama-Christie.
Replacements: Hadfield, Carre, Clarey, Wilson, Michelow, Simpson, Johnson, Jackson-Richards.
11:33AM
Quarter-final place at stake
The Champions Cup last-16 is upon us and Saracens have made the trip to the French Riviera to take on Toulon at Stade Felix Mayol. Both of these sides have claimed three European titles and are playing for the chance to reach the quarter-finals, where they would host either Toulouse or Sale. Saracens come into today's game off the back of an important win away at Leicester last weekend to keep them in the race for the Premiership play-offs, leaving them in sixth place. During the pool stages of the Champions Cup, Saracens beat the Bulls and Stade Francais but fell to defeats to Munster and Castres.
They have made the decision to rest a number of their England internationals as director of rugby Mark McCall has admitted that he is prioritising the Premiership play-offs this season over the Champions Cup. Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Elliot Daly, Tom Willis and Ben Earl are not included. Some, like England captain Itoje, are taking their mandatory rest week after the Six Nations but Earl has already done so. Despite being without a number of key players, McCall has been speaking ahead of the game about his excitement for the challenge facing his side today.
'It is one of the great stadiums to go to,' McCall said. 'It is certainly one of the best atmospheres that we have experienced in the 16 years I have been here. They have had an outstanding season, so it is going to be a very, very tough game but one we are looking forward to.
'We know the scale of the challenge over there, they have got a phenomenal home record. The players have been buoyed by the weekend and we are going to give it everything.'
Toulon, who sit third in the Top 14, finished top of pool four in the group stages; they beat the Stormers, Glasgow and Harlequins but fell to a heavy away defeat at Sale in their final match when they had already secured qualification for the knockout stages. They did lose last time out though away at Castres last weekend. Three former England internationals start for the hosts; Kyle Sinckler, Lewis Ludlam and captain David Ribbans.
Kick-off at Stade Felix Mayol is at 12.30 BST.