A potential Toulon XV for 2019/20
Toulon endured a miserable season past for a team of their pedigree. They finished 9th in the Top 14 and performed pitifully in the Champions Cup, a competition they have won three times over the past decade.
They will seek to rebuild next season in the Top 14 and the Challenge Cup, with a number of huge names arriving at the Stade Mayol. Conversely, some of their biggest stars such as Mathieu Bastareaud, Guilhem Guirado and JP Pietersen have all left.
However, while Toulon have been famed over the years of buying in big names, usually in the twilight of their career, they have also invested wisely in youth, and have some of the most promising French players coming through their ranks.
With a blend of youth and experience, Toulon could establish themselves as giants of the Top 14 once again next season, and this is how they could look:
15 Hugo Bonneval
A skillful and creative force at the back for Toulon, Bonneval could link up with the superstar backline nicely.
14 Nehe Milner-Skudder
The 2015 World Cup winner and World Breakthrough Player of the Year is one of many huge signings. He has electric speed and footwork out wide, and should he stay fit, he will devastate defences across France.
13 Julian Savea
In the absence of the powerful Bastareaud at outside-centre, the 54-cap All Black could make a slight positional adjustment. He had a turbulent first season on the south coast and a strained relationship with Presiden Mourad Boudjellal, and will hope to bounce back this coming season.
12 Ma’a Nonu
The legendary All Black has spent the first half of 2019 in Super Rugby with the Blues, but is rumoured to be making a return. He will battle it out with incoming Julien Hériteau from Agen for the 12 shirt.
11 Bryce Heem
For a number of seasons, Heem was one of Worcester Warriors’ best players, and many people are curious to see how he fairs in a stronger team. He is extremely well rounded, and could find himself in a number of positions throughout the season.
With 23-year-old Antony Belleau France international also in the squad, Toulon are set for a great battle for the 10 shirt. But this may be the season where two-time world under-20 champion Carbonel claims the fly-half berth.
France international Serin is another major signing, as he arrives from Bordeaux this summer. While Rhys Webb will occupy the 9 shirt during the World Cup, the Frenchman could displace him as the season goes on.
8 Sergio Parrise
A titan of European and world rugby, Parisse needs no introduction and is making a massive move after spending 15 years with Stade Francais. He may be 35 years of age, but few would bet against the number eight making a major impact.
7 Facundo Isa
The dynamic Argentinian has been one of Toulon’s best players over the past few years in a star-studded pack. Tireless and powerful, the openside gets his hands on the ball as much as possible and causes a lot of damage.
6 Liam Messam
The 35-year-old Messam may form an aging back-row alongside Parisse, but his experience and complete game means he will surely still be a force next season in red.
5 Romain Taofifénua
Taofifénua may be out of the reckoning for the France team at the moment, but the behemoth of a lock is set to make up one of the most terrifying second-row partnerships in Europe this coming season.
4 Eben Etzebeth
Former South Africa skipper Etzebeth is easily one of the best locks in the world and is joining the French giants in his prime. The ferocious Springbok will bring a lot of firepower to the Toulon pack as they seek to rediscover their dominance up front.
3 Emerick Setiano
Called into France’s World Cup training squad, the 22-year-old tighthead is the ‘new breed’ of prop- brutal in the scrum, dynamic in the loose. Whether Setiano starts or South African Marcel van der Merwe does, Toulon’s scrummaging prowess will not let up over 80 minutes, with class on the bench as well.
2 Christopher Tolofua
The former Saracen has massive boots to fill with France captain Guirado moving to Montpellier, but after two seasons with the European champions, he may be up to that task.
1 Jean-Baptiste Gros
Big things are expected of two-time World Rugby Under-20 Championship winner, and this may be the season where the 6ft 5, 20-year-old loosehead announces himself to the rest of Europe. He became established at Toulon last season, and this season will be a chance for him to kick on.
Comments on RugbyPass
Four Kiwis in that backline. A solid statement on the lack of invention, risk-taking and joy in the NH game; game of attrition and head- banging tedium. Longterm medical problems aplenty in the future!
1 Go to commentsGood article, I learnt quite a lot. A big sliding door moment was in the mid 00s when they rejected Steve Anderson's long term transformation and he wrote Ireland's strategy instead.
2 Go to commentsHi Dr Nick! I'm worried that I've started to enjoy watching England and have actually wanted them to win their last two games. What would you prescribe? On a more serious note, I've noticed that the standard of play in March is often better than early February. Do you think this is because of the weather or because the players have been together for longer?
10 Go to commentsMy question in all this brett is who is going to wear the consequences of these actions? Surely just getting the sack isn’t sufficient? A teenager working the till at woolies would probably get taken to court if they took $20 out of the till. You mean to tell me that someone can spend $2.6 million and get away with it? Where was it spent? What companies/people were the beneficiaries etc? How is it just being talked about as an ‘oopsie’ and we all just move on and not a matter of the court for gross negligence, fraud, take your pick…
18 Go to commentslove Manu too but England have relied on him coming back from injury for far too long and not sorted the position with someone else long term . It will be a blessing he has gone . Huge shame he was so injury prone . God speed Manu .
3 Go to commentsI agree with Ben Smith about Brett Cameron. The No. 6 position has to be a monster and a genuine lineout option, like Ollivon, Lawes (now Chessum), Du Toit, etc. The only player who fits that bill right now is Scott Barrett. A fit and fizzing Tuipolotu together with one of the young towers, Sam Darry or Josh Lord, would give Razor the freedom to play Barret at 6.
15 Go to commentsOutstanding article, Graham. Agree with all of it. And enjoy the style of writing too (particularly Grand Slap!).
2 Go to commentsI wouldn't pay a cent for that loafer. He just stands around, waiting for play to come his way. He won't make the Wallabies.
1 Go to commentsGood bit of te reo maori Nic. Or is that Niko or Nikora? On the theme of trees the Oaks v Totara. Game plan would be key. I have one but it would cost you.
10 Go to comments> Shaun Edwards’ You should not have to score 30 points to win a game, as exciting as it is. This statement was surprising to me. It is nonsensical .I guess it is a defence coach speaking. But head coach, defence and attacking coaches all work together. They are inseparable. You score more than the opposition to win. It only needs to be one score. You score whatever the game demands, whatever the opposition demand. You defend whatever it takes. The attack coach needs to be able to clock up 30pts if need be.
10 Go to commentsWho’d have thought, not having Farrell & Youngs kicking the ball at every possible opportunity and playing flat and allowing your centres to run and pass would pay off? No one could possibly have seen this coming. FML. It took a LONG time coming but at least that time has finally come. England need to find a backup to Lawrence. Freeman is the best candidate for me, I see no reason why he can't play 12. He's big, strong, fast and has great hands.
10 Go to commentsLove Manu but he's not the player he was and I imagine Bayonne have paid too much money for him.
3 Go to commentsNew Zealand have not beaten England since 2018 and even that was a pretty close shave.
1 Go to comments“a renewed focus on Scottish-qualified players” Scottish-qualified is another way of saying English. England has development more players for the Scotland national Rugby team in the last 4 years, than Scotland has.
2 Go to commentsThis sounds a lot like the old Welsh rugby proverb “Wales never lose. Other teams just score more points.”
5 Go to commentsFinally,at last, Borthwick has done what the whole of England have been crying out for. Ditch the kick chase and let the players have freedom to attack and run with the ball. It was great to see. Ford played really well and for the first time in ages was 5 yards closer to the gainline which then allowed a more attacking position . Pity it has taken 90 odd caps to do so. However, this has to continue and not be a false dawn . One issue. Marcus. With Ford having one really good game in 5 ,is he the answer long term . Smith puts bums on seats and is terrific to watch . How can you leave him out before he departs for France in disillusion . England are in danger of Simmons , Alex Goode , Cipriani , Mercer and now Smith being unable to get a selection ahead of “favourites” of the management regardless of form . Great to see England play so well .
2 Go to commentsCockerill was an abrasive player in the mould of a Georgian front rower who will have the respect of that pack. Looking forward to seeing what he can do with this exciting team, hopefully they can send a message to unions like Wales that money alone doesn't buy you wins.
2 Go to commentsI like the look of those July matches. Hopefully they'll get some good tests in November too.
2 Go to commentsThis is a poor article, essentially just trolling six nations teams
22 Go to commentsConnaught man? How you can write that without blushing.
6 Go to comments