ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Oct 15, 2018

Lock Romain Taofifenua shows great agility to go in the record books directly from the kick-off

Newcastle became just the second team in European Champions Cup history to beat Toulon at the Stade Mayol on Sunday after recording a stunning 26-25 victory over the three-time champions in the opening round.

ADVERTISEMENT

The home side succumbed to a late penalty try, despite scoring the second fastest try in the tournament’s history courtesy of Romain Taofifenua just seconds after kick-off.

The second-row used all of his 6ft 6 inches (2m) to charge down Falcons scrum-half Michael Young’s attempted clearance kick and surge for the line.

It was an impressive display of athleticism from the French international, who then showed good agility to get done to collect the ball and stretch for the score.

Unfortunately for Toulon, they were not able to capitalise on their early score and trailed Newcastle 13-10 at the half-time break.

Things got worse for the hosts in the second period as they went down to 14-men on two occasions, having already lost Jean-Baptiste Gros to a yellow card in the first half. Daniel Ikpefan and Julian Savea both saw yellow, which cost Toulon dearly each time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ikpefan’s high tackle on Falcons’ Sinoti Sinoti as the winger was in the act of scoring gifted the visitors a penalty try, while Savea’s yellow handed Newcastle half-back Joel Hodgson an attempt at the match-winning penalty, which was duly slotted.

Taofifenua’s effort sparked memories of Napolioni Nalaga’s 18-second try against the Scarlets in 2014, which remains the fastest ever try in European Champions Cup history.

Note: Taofifenua’s try was officially clocked at 22 seconds, but the clock shows that he crossed at 18 seconds and the referee blew his whistle at 19 seconds, so this was perhaps far closer to Nalaga’s effort than he is getting credit for.

ADVERTISEMENT

Match highlights as Newcastle stun Toulon in France

 

Comments




Related Articles

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Rugby X - The fastest ever variation of Rugby...

  • 73 WEEKS AGO

    Absolute scenes from triple threat centre...

  • 75 WEEKS AGO

    Henry Arundell wonder try shows he is the...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wild scenes in Toulouse as Portugal seal last gasp comeback win over Fiji

  • 13 WEEKS AGO

    South African schoolboy produces the greatest goosey in the sport

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Theo Dan in the centre of 'punch' storm as possible infringement missed

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Compilation video shows Jamie George's surprising box of tricks

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Eddie Jones reported to have negotiated return to Japan national side

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Rees Zammit hits Olympic level as 100m sprint time is officially finally released

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Shocking record set to be broken at this year’s World Cup

  • 15 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible team try showcases thrills of the grassroots game

View All

Funnies

  • 2 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

  • 6 WEEKS AGO

    Mack Hansen proves once again that he is a hero in Ireland

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Irish players brilliantly take the p*** out of Sexton on plane intercom

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Brilliant video of Andy Farrell readying the Irish troops for battle

View All

Amateur

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 47 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 70 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 71 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Transfer News: George North to take considerable talents to France

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Tom Foley takes break from officiating international matches following death threats

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    James Haskell shares thoughts on 'best mate' Owen Farrell

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    The key change Steve Borthwick has made to England squad selection

  • 1 WEEK AGO

    Siya Kolisi opens up about stabbing incident in powerful interview with Dan Biggar

View All