Saracens knocked out of Champions Cup in 114-point thriller as 10-try Toulon power to victory - Iqraa news

Toulon 72 Saracens 42

Eight seasons after a full-loaded Saracens team triumphed at Stade Mayol, a rotated version succumbed to a devastating second-half surge from Toulon – but not before rattling their opponents by bolting out to a 35-13 lead.

There were 16 tries in all, six to the impressively defiant Saracens and 10 more to their hosts. An intoxicating first half comprised 62 points in all, with the second period yielding 52 more; utter carnage on Côte d’Azor.

Ultimately, Toulon set up their convincing comeback, which demonstrated their formidable depth and dynamism, with two retaliatory scores at the end of the opening stanza. Amid the phalanx of powerful and pacey runners that ultimately overwhelmed Mark McCall’s men, with Facundo Isa immense, supreme scrum-half Baptiste Serin arrived from a potent bench to secure victory.

Saracens inevitably felt the absence of their England regulars, but were led by other heroes in Juan Martin Gonzalez, Theo Dan and Olly Hartley. Even with the disappointment of conceding over 70, which would usually spell humiliation, they will bow out of the Investec Champions Cup and return to domestic matters with a remarkable occasion to look back on.

These illustrious clubs are tied on three Champions Cup titles each. Saracens’ latest success, in 2019, is more recent. However, despite not having won it since 2015, Toulon appear more likely to add a fourth. Captained by the mighty David Ribbans, who has bulked up since arriving here from Northampton Saints after the last World Cup, they sit third in the Top 14 and boast a vastly impressive, cosmopolitan squad. Kyle Sinckler and Lewis Ludlam were in the starting pack here and Ben White, the Scotland scrum-half, was keeping the exceptional Serin on the bench.

Saracens’ victory at this ground in 2016 seems like eons ago. Because of injuries, rest protocols and rotation, Alex Goode was the sole survivor from that day. According to statistician Russ Petty, the full-back was appearing in his 54th knock-out game in all competitions.

The skill of urinating on bonfires is in Saracens’ DNA and they hit the front first. Angus Hall rose to gather Fergus Burke’s high ball but was immediately turned over by Gabin Villiere. Toulon promptly coughed up a try, though. Jaminet hurled a wild pass across his own goal-line and Hartley whacked Isa, allowing Gonzalez to dot down.

Jaminet made amends rapidly by breaking to set up the electric Jiuta Wainiqolo, yet Saracens replied. Theo Dan did a marvellous impression of Schalk Brits with a burst from the back-field, Gonzalez loped to within a couple of metres and Nick Tompkins burrowed over. A pair of Jaminet penalties, the second from the halfway line, quickly whisked the hosts back to within a point. Saracens would only land a third try.

Gonzalez spoiled a breakdown to earn a scrum put-in and Toulon were trucked backwards. Saracens had a penalty advantage and adopted route one to carve through the defence, Hartley slipping off two passive tackles and tearing under the posts from 45 metres.

Another dreadful mix-up between Isa and Jaminet presented Gonzalez, putting on an extraordinary display, with his second try and Toulon had conceded a fifth by the half-hour mark. The pressure did not relent either, Saracens were held up over the line before Dan scooted up the middle and flung an offload to the supporting Ivan van Zyl.

Finally roused by their fizzing fans, Toulon cut the deficit by implementing their fearful power game. Isa was driven over by Jean-Baptiste Gros, the fine France loosehead, and Paolo Garbisi intercepted Van Zyl’s pass to ensure that Saracens needed to repel one more attack before half-time. They could not resist the waves of black shirts and Jaminet benefitted out wide. Nika Amashukeli called time on a compelling shoot-out of a first half that had yielded tries aplenty as well as intriguing tactical tweaks. At one stage, Toulon centre Jeremy Sinzelle packed down at the base of the scrum. It was bedlam.

The respective strength of either bench, with the home side’s replacements seemingly more potent, made the riposte from Toulon feel significant. Indeed, they were quickly within three points, thanks to a close-range finish from the bruising Brian Alainu’uese, and then introduced an imposing quartet: Serin and their fresh front row. Deputy hooker Gianmarco Lucchesi was particularly impactful and Toulon thought they had taken the lead, only for Jaminet’s second to be chalked off for a forward pass.

With 25 minutes remaining, Toulon overtook Saracens for the first time as the relentless Isa rumbled across the whitewash. Serin then struck a sublime 50:22. Following more pounding phase play, Isa picked and went through a ruck. By this stage, Toulon’s forwards were well on top in the set-piece exchanges. Their backs remained slippery too, and Leicester Fainga’anuku capped a sweeping move to take his team beyond a half-century.

James Hadfield’s shunt stopped a procession of 40 unanswered points, yet Jaminet, Serin and Tuicuvu dismissed Saracens with a late flurry. The visitors were free to concentrate on the Premiership, although not without encouragement. Toulon, having been stung into action, march onto the quarter-finals.

Scoring: 0-5 Gonzalez try, 0-7 Burke conversion, 5-7 Wainiqolo try, 7-7 Jaminet conversion. 7-12 Tompkins try, 7-14 Burke conversion, 10-14 Jaminet penalty, 13-14 Jaminet penalty, 13-19 Hartley try, 13-21 Burke conversion, 13-26 Gonzalez try, 13-28 Burke conversion, 13-33 Van Zyl try, 13-35 Burke conversion, 18-35 Isa conversion, 20-35 Jaminet conversion, 25-35 Jaminet try, 27-35 Jaminet conversion, 32-35 Alainu’uese 37-35 Isa, 39-35 Jaminey conversion, 44-35 Isa try, 46-35 Jaminet conversion, 51-35 Fainga’anuku try, 53-35 Jaminet conversion, 53-40 Hadfield try, 53-42 Burke conversion, 58-42 Jaminey try, 63-42 Serin try, 65-42 Jaminet conversion, 70-42 Tuicuvu try, 72-42 Jaminet conversion

Toulon: M Jaminet; J Wainiqolo, L Fainga’anuku, J Sinzelle, G Villiere; P Garbisi (M Domon, 71), B White (B Serin, 45); J-B Gros (D Priso, 45), T Baubigny (G Lucchesi, 45), K Sinckler (B Gigashvili, 45), M Halagahu (B Alainu’uese, 30), D Ribbans, L Ludlam (M Le Corvec, 63), E Abadie, F Isa (S Tuicuvu, 71)

Saracens: A Goode (B Jackson, 71); T Elliott, N Tompkins, O Hartley, A Hall; F Burke (L Johnson, I van Zyl (G Simpson, 50); E Mawi (R Carre, 40), T Dan (J Hadfield, 61), M Riccioni (H Beaton, 56), N Isiekwe, H Tizard (H Wilson, 53), T McFarland, J M Gonzalez, A Onyeama-Christie (N Michelow, 66)

Referee: N Amashukeli

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02:37 PM BST

Toulon into the quarter-finals

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02:30 PM BST

Toulon captain David Ribbans speaking post-match

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02:29 PM BST

The thoughts of Mark McCall

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02:27 PM BST

Alex Goode speaking post-match to Premier Sports

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02:25 PM BST

Quarter-final draw (ties to be played on the weekend 11/12/13 April)

Bordeaux-Begles/Ulster v La Rochelle/Munster

Toulon v Toulouse/Sale Sharks

Leinster/Harlequins v Glasgow Warriors/Leicester Tigers

Northampton Saints v Castres or Benetton

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02:22 PM BST

Meanwhile in Dublin

So far it is one English team through (Northampton) and one out (Saracens) in the Champions Cup last 16. Attention will now turn to Harlequins, who have one of the most challenging trips in club rugby as they travel to Dublin to face Leinster. You can follow all the build-up and action from that match right here.

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02:18 PM BST

Champions Cup last-16 fixtures

Last night:

Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont

Today:

Toulon 72-42 Saracens FT

Castres v Benetton 3pm

Leinster v Harlequins 3pm

La Rochelle v Munster 5.30pm

Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers 8pm

Sunday:

Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster 12.30pm

Toulouse v Sale Sharks 3pm

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02:16 PM BST

Full time

There is the final whistle and Toulon have booked their place in the quarter-finals after beating Saracens 72-42. Saracens had a fantastic opening 35 minutes but Toulon have blown them away. 114 points and 16 tries in total on the French Riviera. Toulon will play the winner of Toulouse v Sale in the quarter-finals.

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02:11 PM BST

TRY! Toulon running riot

The hosts hit 70 for the match! They are now playing with such confidence and are attacking from anywhere. This time they go from their own 22 and have success attacking down the right. Jaminet sprints towards halfway and then offloads inside to Tuicuvu, who gets out of a tackle and goes over for yet another Toulon try.

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02:09 PM BST

TRY! Serin adds Toulon’s ninth

That is a quite wonderful try! Toulon attack from deep inside their own half and go all the way to score. They work it down the right and Villiere sprints down the right touchline into the Saracens 22. He then offloads brilliantly out of the back of the hand to Serin, who goes over in the corner. Jaminet lands the conversion and Toulon now lead 65-42.

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02:05 PM BST

TRY! Jaminet surely seals it for Toulon

That could be game, set and match. Saracens knock the ball on at a lineout inside their own 22 and Toulon punish them. They send it into the hands of the back quickly and a clever offload from Faingaanuku sends Jaminet over in the corner. He cannot convert his own try but Toulon have more than one step in the quarter-finals.

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02:03 PM BST

69 mins: Toulon 53 Saracens 42

Toulon have made a lot of mistakes today and there is another one. They take a quick lineout from just outside their 22 but the kick goes straight into touch, meaning Saracens will have the lineout on the Toulon 22.

Toulon make up for that though as they win a penalty moments later.

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02:01 PM BST

TRY! Saracens stay alive through Hadfield score

Maybe this game is not done quite yet. Hadfield burrows over from close range and Burke converts the try to keep Saracens in this match. 11 points between the sides now.

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02:00 PM BST

65 mins: Toulon 53 Saracens 35

Toulon steal the lineout and can clear their lines but not very far so they will still be under pressure.

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01:59 PM BST

64 mins: Toulon 53 Saracens 35

You very rarely see this in rugby! Toulon had 16 men on the pitch and are therefore penalised. The penalty is inside the Toulon 22 and Saracens kick to the corner. If you remember the last time you saw that, leave a message in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

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01:57 PM BST

TRY! Faingaanuku score takes Toulon past 50

They are rampant now. On halfway they work it to the right, where Jaminet finds Villiere on the right wing. He makes his way into the Saracens 22 and, as he is brought down to ground, offloads inside to Faingaanuku, who gets out of one tackle just shy of the line and goes over for another home try. Jaminet gets the conversion.

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01:54 PM BST

61 mins: Toulon 46 Saracens 35

Saracens have possession on the edge of the Toulon 22 but Gigashvili wins the hosts a penalty at the breakdown.

Dan has come off for Saracens to be replaced by Hadfield. Dan was outstanding in the first half but, like his Saracens teammates in this second half, he has struggled to make an impact.

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01:52 PM BST

TRY! Isa secures his hat-trick

Toulon were all over the place for the first 35 minutes but they have completely turned this around. From the base of a ruck just inside the Saracens 22, Isa spots a gap by the ruck with the guard defending poor from Saracens and he sprints through untouched to go over under the posts. It is the easiest of conversions for Jaminet and Toulon now lead by 11 points.

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01:51 PM BST

58 mins: Toulon 39 Saracens 35

What a kick from Serin. He picks from the base of the scrum inside his own half and puts in a low kick that rolls all the way into the Saracens 22 for a 50-22 for the home side. It is all Toulon and Saracens are on the back foot now.

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01:48 PM BST

TRY! Isa doubles up to give Toulon the lead

Toulon do now take the lead for the first time today and this time it will not be disallowed. The first carry is good and they are just a few metres from the Saracens line. They recycle it quickly and Isa powers over like he did in the first half. It is an easy conversion and Toulon now lead 39-35.

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01:47 PM BST

55 mins: Toulon 32 Saracens 35

Another penalty advantage from the scrum for Toulon. Isa picks and goes down the blindside and it looks like he will power his way all the way to the line but he knocks on as Elliott did just enough to dislodge the ball. We go back for the penalty and Toulon kick to the corner.

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01:45 PM BST

53 mins: Toulon 32 Saracens 35

Saracens are holding on here and need to weather this storm. Toulon have possession just outside the Saracens 22 and the visitors knock on trying to gather an interception. Toulon want a penalty for a deliberate knock-on but that appeared legitimate attempt to catch the ball from Saracens. Toulon will have a scrum just outside the Saracens 22 and, considering how the last scrum went, they will be licking their lips.

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01:42 PM BST

NO TRY!

The try is chalked off and Toulon do not take the lead. Gigashvili had sent a pass forward in the build-up to Jaminet scoring and so Saracens keep their lead for now.

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01:40 PM BST

TRY! Jaminet doubles up to put Toulon into the lead

For the first time this afternoon, the home side take the lead. They have numbers out to the right inside the Saracens 22 and good handling allows them in for the try through Jaminet. But the TMO has stepped in as they are checking a forward pass in the build-up.

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01:39 PM BST

49 mins: Toulon 32 Saracens 35

Toulon have a lineout inside the Saracens 22 but the visitors do well to disrupt it and Saracens can clear.

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01:39 PM BST

48 mins: Toulon 32 Saracens 35

Toulon’s replacement props make a big impact immediately off the bench, winning the hosts a penalty advantage at the scrum. They go down the blindside and Serin offloads out of the back of the hand inside to Abadie but the ball is dropped. That should have been a try for the hosts but they have the penalty nonetheless.

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01:37 PM BST

47 mins: Toulon 32 Saracens 35

Toulon flex their muscles off the bench as Serin, Priso and Gigashvili all come on. This could prove vital in this match the depth of Toulon’s bench.

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01:35 PM BST

TRY! Alainu’uese burrows over from close range

How this game has changed! Saracens cannot stop the powerful Toulon forwards as replacement lock Alainu’uese powers over from a few metres out. Jaminet misses a conversion he should really get but there are now just three points in it. After 35 minutes Saracens led by more than 20 but now just three points separate the sides.

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01:34 PM BST

45 mins: Toulon 27 Saracens 35

Saracens do well to disrupt the Toulon maul and nearly drive them into touch but Toulon keep it in play. A few phases later they are just five metres out from the line...

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01:34 PM BST

44 mins: Toulon 27 Saracens 35

Toulon have a penalty advantage inside the Saracens half and kick ahead through Faingaanuku. The ball rolls towards the corner and Goode is forced to take the ball into touch near his own line. Advantage was called over and Toulon have a five-metre lineout.

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01:30 PM BST

42 mins: Toulon 27 Saracens 35

White makes a great break from just inside the Saracens half into the Saracens 22 after a neat offload off the floor but as they move the ball right they knock on and the chance is gone.

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01:29 PM BST

Second half

We are back under way at Stade Felix Mayol. Saracens looked in control of this match with five minutes remaining in the first half but those two tries late in the half from Isa and Jaminet means Toulon are right back in it. Their bench looks a fair bit stronger than Saracens’ as well so that could prove vital.

Carre is on at loosehead prop for Saracens in place of Mawi.

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01:23 PM BST

HT verdict

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01:20 PM BST

Champions Cup last-16 fixtures

Last night:

Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont

Today:

Toulon 27-35 Saracens HT

Castres v Benetton 3pm

Leinster v Harlequins 3pm

La Rochelle v Munster 5.30pm

Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers 8pm

Sunday:

Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster 12.30pm

Toulouse v Sale Sharks 3pm

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01:14 PM BST

Half time

That is the end of an enthralling first half with 62 points in it. Saracens lead 27-35 at the break. And breathe!

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01:13 PM BST

TRY! Jaminet over as hosts fight back

The momentum has shifted in the final five minutes of this first half. Toulon have possession inside the Saracens 22 and have numbers out to the left. They work it well out where the numbers are and Jaminet is the man to go over untouched. He converts his own try and Saracens’ lead is cut to eight points.

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01:11 PM BST

38 mins: Toulon 20 Saracens 35

Saracens are penalised for not releasing and Toulon can kick into the Saracens 22. The crowd had gone quiet when van Zyl went over for his try but their spirits have been lifted by Isa’s try and you can fell the momentum swinging just before half time.

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01:08 PM BST

TRY! Isa powers over

Toulon have a penalty advantage but they do not need it. Isa receives a pass from the breakdown around seven metres out and he powers through a couple of Saracens defenders to score. That was a powerful carry. Jaminet adds the conversion and boy did Toulon need that.

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01:08 PM BST

34 mins: Toulon 13 Saracens 35

Toulon already have a penalty advantage inside the Saracens 22 and win another penalty around 10 metres out from the Saracens line for a deliberate knock-on. The hosts have no choice but to kick to the corner.

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01:06 PM BST

TRY! van Zyl scores after sublime play from Dan

Saracens have been on it in attack today and Dan has been outstanding so far. He runs a great line inside the Toulon half and powers his way into the Toulon 22. He then offloads as he was going to ground brilliantly to van Zyl, who goes over untouched. Burke adds the extra two points and Saracens could not have dreamed really of a better first half an hour or so to this game.

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01:03 PM BST

31 mins: Toulon 13 Saracens 28

That is a big let-off for Toulon as Saracens are held up over the line. A good defensive set from Toulon but Saracens may regret the call to turn down an easy three, which would have extended their lead to 18 points.

Toulon are being forced into a change in the pack as Alainu’uese replaces the stricken Halagahu.

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01:01 PM BST

29 mins: Toulon 13 Saracens 28

Saracens have possession deep inside the Toulon 22 and have a penalty advantage. Toulon are offside and Saracens have another penalty advantage just five metres out. Burke tries a cheeky chip over the top but the ball rolls dead so we go back for the penalty. Saracens turn down an easy three points and are taking a quick tap. Bold...

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12:58 PM BST

27 mins: Toulon 13 Saracens 28

Once again Toulon nearly shoot themselves in the foot as Jaminet’s kick is charged down inside their own 22 and they have to scrap to clear their lines.

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12:54 PM BST

TRY! Gonzalez doubles up as Saracens extend lead

Saracens have four tries in the opening 25 minutes but Toulon are all over the place at the moment. Isa won the ball back for Toulon inside his own 22 but then the ball goes loose. Jaminet tries to gather the loose ball near his own line but he makes a mess of things, allowing Gonzalez to gather the ball up and, like his first try, has not much to do to just dot down from close range. Burke makes it four from four from the and Saracens hve a three-score lead.

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12:51 PM BST

20 mins: Toulon 13 Saracens 21

Saracens win a penalty at the breakdown just inside the Toulon half and they kick into the Toulon 22. Saracens win the lineout and go through a number of phases deep inside the Toulon 22 but Ludlam steps up with a crucial intervention, winning the hosts a penalty at the breakdown. Have Toulon been a little complacent and underestimated Saracens so far?

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12:48 PM BST

TRY! Hartley adds Saracens’ third

Mark McCall probably could not have hoped for a better start away from home in the Champions Cup. Saracens’ scrum wins them a penalty advantage inside the Toulon half but they do not need it. Van Zyl finds Hartley, who dummies a pass outside him, breaks the tackle and runs through to score under the posts. Burke gets the conversion and it is now a two-score game.

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12:45 PM BST

PENALTY TOULON!

Jaminet has the distance and accuracy to secure the three points and there is now just one point in it.

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12:44 PM BST

14 mins: Toulon 10 Saracens 14

Mawi is penalised at the ruck on halfway for playing the ball on the ground and Toulon win the penalty. From pretty much exactly 50 metres out, Jaminet points to the posts...

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12:43 PM BST

PENALTY TOULON!

It is an easy three points for Jaminet and Toulon and Saracens’ lead is cut down to four points.

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12:42 PM BST

11 mins: Toulon 7 Saracens 14

Toulon are attacking on the fringes of the Saracens 22 and are awarded a penalty as the visitors are caught offside; Burke is the guilty party. The penalty is right in front of the posts and the the hosts decide to go for three...

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12:39 PM BST

TRY! Tompkins restores Saracens’ lead

Three tries inside the opening 10 minutes! Dan initially makes good ground towards the Toulon 22 after a powerful carry. Saracens then recycle and neat offloading allows Gonzalez to power towards the line. He is brought down just shy of the line but he offloads off the floor straight into the hands of Tompkins, who goes over from close range. Burke lands the conversion and Saracens’ lead is back up to seven points.

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12:37 PM BST

TRY! Hosts hit back through Wainiqolo

Toulon hit straight back and Jaminet has made up for his earlier mistake. He makes the break from halfway and sends a pass out to the left wing to find Wainiqolo, who goes over untouched. Jaminet nails the conversion and we are level at 7-7.

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12:34 PM BST

TRY! Gonzalez gives visitors early lead

They are underdogs today but Saracens get the first try of the game. Burke put a high kick into the Toulon 22, which Hall gathered. He was then turned over by Villiere and Toulon opt to run the ball out rather than kick. Jaminet’s long, dangerous pass is knocked on by Isa and Gonzalez is on hand to pick up a few metres out from the line and dot down. Burke converts and that is the perfect start for the visitors. I have no idea what Jaminet was doing there.

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12:31 PM BST

Kick-off

After the traditional Pilou Pilou battle cry from the hosts, we are under way at Stade Felix Mayol. Who will book their place in the Champions Cup quarter-finals; Toulon or Saracens?

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12:29 PM BST

Kick-off fast approaching

After a rousing rendition of “La Marseillaise”, both sides emerge into the French Riviera sunshine and we are just moments away from kick-off at Stade Felix Mayol.

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12:24 PM BST

The thoughts pre-match of Toulon coach Sergio Parisse

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12:22 PM BST

Reminder of the 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.

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12:20 PM BST

Premier Sports crew on Saracens selection calls

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12:19 PM BST

Hosts gearing up

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12:15 PM BST

Mark McCall speaking to Premier Sports pre-match

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12:13 PM BST

Recent results

Saracens:

Saturday 22^nd March: Saracens 12-23 Harlequins

Sunday 30^th March: Leicester 22-29 Saracens

Toulon:

Saturday 29^th March: Castres 28-26 Toulon

Saturday 22^nd March: Toulon 40-19 Perpignan

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12:10 PM BST

Quarter-final draw (ties to be played on the weekend 11/12/13 April)

Bordeaux-Begles/Ulster v La Rochelle/Munster

Toulon/Saracens v Toulouse/Sale Sharks

Leinster/Harlequins v Glasgow Warriors/Leicester Tigers

Northampton Saints v Castres or Benetton

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12:07 PM BST

Long-range kicking

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12:04 PM BST

Toulon results in the Champions Cup group stages

Game one- Stormers 14-24 Toulon

Game two- Toulon 30-29 Glasgow

Game three- Toulon 33-21 Harlequins

Game four- Sale 33-7 Toulon

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12:01 PM BST

Saracens results in the Champions Cup group stages

Game one- Saracens 27-5 Bulls

Game two- Stade Francais 17-28 Saracens

Game three- Munster 17-12 Saracens

Game four- Saracens 24-32 Castres

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11:57 AM BST

“Powerful Toulon bench”

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11:52 AM BST

Get your fix

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11:46 AM BST

Ribbans: It would feel wrong to play for Springboks after England

Our senior rugby writer Charlie Morgan has sat down for an interview with Toulon’s captain today David Ribbans.

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11:41 AM BST

Champions Cup last-16 fixtures

Last night:

Northampton Saints 46-24 Clermont

Today:

Toulon v Saracens 12.30pm

Castres v Benetton 3pm

Leinster v Harlequins 3pm

La Rochelle v Munster 5.30pm

Glasgow Warriors v Leicester Tigers 8pm

Sunday:

Bordeaux-Begles v Ulster 12.30pm

Toulouse v Sale Sharks 3pm

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11:37 AM BST

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.

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11:33 AM BST

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.