Contepomi leads Toulon to the top
Argentine rugby superstar Felipe Contepomi scored all of his team's points as Toulon edged Bourgoin 13-9 on Friday to snatch pole position in the French Top 14.
With teammate and fly-half rival Jonny Wilkinson watching from the bench, Contepomi scored the game's only try in the 22nd minute when he stole over the line from the back of the scrum where international teammate Juan Fernandez Lobbe was outstanding.
Despite the try, Bourgoin led at the interval 9-7 thanks to three penalties from fly-half Benjamin Boyet.
Toulon dominated the second half with Contepomi adding two penalties to pave the way for the crucial win which put Toulon in top place on 67 points although Castres can replace them on Saturday when they face Bayonne.
Contepomi made way for Wilkinson on the hour mark while former All Blacks centre Tana Umaga, who will leave his position on the coaching staff at the end of the season, played 75 minutes of the match.
The win virtually guarantees Toulon a spot in the end-of-season, six-team play-offs.
"We have qualified," said Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal.
"It's the first time in five years that Toulon will take part in the final phase. It's a great satisfaction."
![AAP](https://www.thefanatics.com/images/aaplogo2.gif)
Post a comment about this article
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Becoming a member is free and easy, sign up here.