Toulon line up final farewell for Wilkinson

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Saturday is almost Groundhog Day in France as Toulon once again take on Castres in the Top 14 final, but this year there is one crucial difference. Jonny Wilkinson, as the rugby world and his wife is well aware, will hang up his boots on Saturday evening having played the final 80 minutes in his glittering career. Worryingly for Castres, it would be hard to imagine that Wilkinson’s Toulon team-mates will allow him to sign off with an anti-climax.

It’s not just Wilkinson that Toulon will be aiming to win for – the whole team have a score to settle with their opponents. Castres upset the applecart last season by defeating Toulon 19-14 in the final to claim their first league title in 20 years. Having become the first French club to secure back-to-back Heineken Cups last weekend, Toulon are now aiming to secure a league and cup double that will send their already devoted fans into absolute pandemonium.

Toulon v Castres

Saturday, Stade de France, 8.00pm, BT Sport

Toulon

What more can be said about Wilkinson? While Toulon are undoubtedly a side packed full of world-beating stars, it will be Jonny once again taking centre stage at the Stade de France on Saturday. The fly-half, now twice a Heineken Cup winner, is yet to taste Top 14 glory and Toulon have never looked more likely to end their long wait for the French title.

It’s easy to fall into platitudes when analysing Toulon’s game, but the men from the Mediterranean have been bulldozing all before them this season. Their systematic destruction of fellow Heineken Cup finalists Saracens was almost painful to watch, particularly given Sarries’ impressive semi-final demolition of the celebrated Clermont. Toulon’s combination of beast and beauty makes them the most compelling force in European rugby.

Castres

While their opponents have been taking all the plaudits this season, Castres have flown into the final under the radar. Regardless of how impressive Toulon have been, everyone’s favourite giant killers are the defending champions and out to spoil Wilkinson’s retirement party with another Top 14 crown.

Before anyone in Toulon pops the cork on the Champagne, Castres are not without their strengths. With no involvement in the Heineken Cup final, last year’s winners have enjoyed more time to rest and prepare for Saturday, while their star player – Rory Kockott – has been in impressive form this campaign. The scrum-half was last year’s player of the season and, having reneged on a rumoured agreement to join Toulon in February, he will intent on vindicating his decision.

Stats

Toulon are sweating on the fitness of Matt Giteau, who is an injury doubt for Saturday’s final. The centre is their leading domestic try scorer, crossing the whitewash nine times. Castres’ top scorer Marcel Garvey has six.

Toulon and Castres have been as badly behaved as each other this season, picking up 17 yellows and 2 red cards each.

The two clubs have shared a win apiece in their two previous meetings this season. Castres were 22-15 winners in September, but Toulon took revenge with a 19-13 victory in February.

Trivia

Toulon will play the final with a specially-produced jersey. It will have a two silver stars emblazoned above the crest, marking their successive Heineken Cup titles, and “merci Jonny” stitched into the collar.

Wilkinson will become a specialist skills coach at Toulon after the last appearance in his 16-year career.

Prediction

Saturday might be a repeat of last year’s final in terms of the teams involved, but expect the result to be reversed. Toulon will rally for Wilkinson one more time to win by ten points.

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Toulon line up final farewell for Wilkinson