Cardiff Blues became the first Welsh side to win a European title when they beat French club Toulon 28-21 in the Challenge Cup final on Sunday.
The cosmopolitan French club had dominated the first half, but failed to convert massive possession and territorial advantage into real points.
Turning around for the second period at Marseille’s sun-drenched Stade Velodrome at 13-6 up, Toulon lost Jonny Wilkinson to injury, and with him all shape and structure to their game.
Cardiff scored three tries through Jamie Roberts, Leigh Halfpenny and Bradley Davies, with Kiwi fullback Ben Blair kicking a penalty and two conversions, Halfpenny also chipping in with two penalties.
Toulon saw outstanding center Sonny Bill Williams and Thomas Sourice cross for tries, Wilkinson kicking two penalties and a conversion, while Tom May also landed a three-pointer.
Cardiff coach Dai Young praised his side’s attitude, telling Sky Sports: “It must have been a great game to watch.”
“In the first half we were hanging in by our toenails, but we showed guts and determination, and when we had the opportunities, we struck,” Young said. “We had confidence in our own ability, and knew if we got enough ball in the right areas and went through the phases, the opportunities would come, and that proved to be the case.”
Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal blamed his side’s inexperience for the defeat.
“We had the match, but when you’re in the final you have to take the points when you get the chance,” Boudjellal said.
“We’re in the process of learning about the top level. This year we flirted, but next year we’re going to try and put the thing to bed,” he said.
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