Cheslin Kolbe returns in time for Challenge Cup Final
Springbok superstar Cheslin Kolbe returns for Toulon in time for their European Challenge Cup final against Lyon at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
Despite both sides languishing in mid-table in the Top 14, the two sides battle it out to win Europe’s second tier showpiece tomorrow night.
Marseille FC’s 67,394 capacity stadium is a second home for Toulon, who occasionally host games at the state-of-the-art arena.
The French giants will be desperate to win some long-awaited silverware after enduring a trophyless run of seven years.
Toulon are three-time Champions Cup winners but have never won the Challenge Cup and have been runners up three times in 2010, 2012 and 2020.
Head coach Franck Azema has made two changes to the team that dismantled Saracens 25-16 in the semi-final in a raucous atmosphere at the Stade Mayol.
Julien Heriteau comes in for Mathieu Smaili at outside centre, with Kolbe returning in place of Jiuta Wainiqolo, who despite scoring a stunning try in the victory over Sarries must settle for a spot on the bench.
Kolbe has flattered to deceive since joining Toulon from Toulouse in a £1 million pound deal, scoring three tries in 12 games in a season riddled by injuries. However, Azema has opted to start the world class winger after his return from a broken thumb injury.
The South African flyer lines up alongside other household names including fellow Springbok Eben Etzebeth, France captain Charles Ollivon, Italy legend Sergio Parisse and French fly half Louis Carbonel – who was man of the match in the semi-final.
Friday night’s game is an opportunity for underdogs Lyon to win their first major trophy since 1933 and their first ever European competition.
Pierre Mignoni’s side lie in eighth in the Top 14, one place below Toulon, and have made just one change from their 20-18 victory over Wasps in the semi-final, with Patrick Sobela coming in for Beka Saginadze at openside flanker.
Lyon back rower Dylan Cretin has been a key figure playing in every minute of their three knockout games and has urged his team to enjoy the occasion.
He said: “What is certain is that we will be on the field without feeling pressure and want to give the best account of ourselves.”
“We have certainties since the beginning of the year. We based ourselves on what we know how to do and what we do well. But this weekend, we will have to do it very well.
“When the smell of the final is near, we will have more and more desire. Since the beginning of the season, the Challenge Cup has been one of our objectives.
“We’re 80 minutes away from winning a trophy, and it’s never too early for that.”
Sunday’s edition of The Rugby Paper is the best place to get all the reaction to Friday’s Challenge Cup final.
Written by Ben Jaycock
