Toulon 33-21 Harlequins: Quins crushed in Champions Cup clash as French heavyweights expose gulf in cash
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At times, it felt like Harlequins were being plunged underwater by one of the giant cruise ships docked in the port outside the Stade Mayol. Sunk like miniature sailing dinghies as they came up against heavyweights Toulon. This famous stadium on the Mediterranean coast can pose dangerous waters for visiting teams and Quins were the latest victim. It is becoming clear that English clubs, with their shrinking budgets, do not have the physicality to take on the best of France.
![[It is becoming clear that English clubs, with their shrinking budgets, do not have the physicality to take on the best of France]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/22/94018269-0-image-a-107_1736720399872.jpg)
Marcus Smith tried to run around Toulon’s team of stacked internationals but the visitors were well beaten. Now they must beat high-flying Glasgow in the final pool fixture to scrape through to the European knock-out stages. After a few years of slumber, Toulon are attempting to return to their glory days. The players walked down the corridor of fame on their way in, stepping over Hollywood-style tiles adorned with the names of Jonny Wilkinson and Co.
![[James Chisholm's yellow card proved detrimental, with 14-man Quins conceding 12 points]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/22/94018359-0-image-a-110_1736720665636.jpg)
Captained by former England international David Ribbans, Toulon dominated collisions from the very first play. Kyle Sinckler got his hands on the ball, so too did Lewis Ludlam, as the ex-pats maintain the proud history of English success in the club’s colours.
![[Gael Drean scored a sweeping try to kill any hope of a late Harlequins fightback in France]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/12/22/94018273-0-image-a-109_1736720434945.jpg)
The likes of Sinckler, Ribbans and Ludlam may not have been nailed-on starters for Steve Borthwick but this offered a stark reminder of the strength in depth that has been lost to the power of the French chequebook. Harlequins now must beat high-flying Glasgow in the final pool fixture to scrape through to the European knock-out stage.
