The Sale Sharks secured a crucial 33-7 victory over Toulon in the Investec Champions Cup on Saturday, guaranteeing their place in the knockout stages of the competition. 

Despite the defeat, Toulon remained in top spot in Pool 4.

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The Sharks were dominant from the outset, with a solid performance across both halves. 

The match’s first try came just before halftime, with Tom Roebuck crossing the line in the 39th minute to give Sale a 5-0 lead. George Ford added the extras, and the Sharks went into the break with a 7-0 advantage.

Toulon struggled to build any momentum, and Sale’s defense proved formidable throughout the contest. 

The French side made several substitutions in the second half, including the introduction of star playmaker Baptiste Serin, but could not break through Sale’s defensive wall.

It was Sale that continued to pile on the pressure after the break. 

Ben Curry extended their lead with a try in the 49th minute, followed by a conversion from George Ford. 

The Sharks then added another try through Bevan Rodd in the 59th minute, with Ford converting once again to push the score to 26-0.

Toulon managed to respond with a try from Jules Coulon in the 66th minute, but Sale’s dominance was clear, and Ford’s conversion maintained their comfortable lead at 26-7. 

The Sharks continued to assert themselves, and a fifth try came in the 74th minute, as Roebuck scored his second of the match. Robert du Preez successfully converted, sealing the 33-7 victory for Sale.

The win was not without incident, however, as Sale’s du Preez received a yellow card in the 79th minute. 

Despite being a man down for the final moments of the match, the Sharks held firm and saw out the game to secure the important win.

With this result, the Sale Sharks now look ahead to the knockout stages, while Toulon, despite the loss, remains in a strong position atop Pool 4. 

The result marks a statement of intent from Sale as it aims to push further in the prestigious European competition.

Sale Sharks Vs. Toulon Scoring Summary

Sale Sharks

Tries: Roebuck (39’, 74’), Curry (49’), Rodd (59’), O'Flaherty (62’)

Conversions: Ford (40’, 50’, 60’), du Preez (75’)

Toulon

Try: Coulon (66’)

Conversion: Garbisi (66’)

What's Next For The Sale Sharks And RC Toulonnais?

Sale returns to the Gallagher Premiership next weekend with a clash against table-topping Bath Rugby, while Toulon will host past Champions Cup winner La Rochelle in the Top 14.

Investec Champions Cup Fixtures In Round 4

• Ulster Rugby 52 vs. Exeter Chiefs 24, Fri, Jan 17, 2025, 3 PM, Kingspan Stadium
• Vodacom Bulls 48 vs. Stade Francais Paris 7, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 8 AM, Loftus Versfeld
• Northampton Saints 34 vs. Munster Rugby 32, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 10:15 AM, cinch Stadium @ Franklin's Gardens
• ASM Clermont Auvergne 33 vs. Bristol Bears 26, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 10:15 AM, Stade Marcel-Michelin
• Benetton Rugby 32 vs. Stade Rochelais 25, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 12:30 PM, Stadio Monigo
• Leinster Rugby 47 vs. Bath Rugby 21, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 12:30 PM, Aviva Stadium
• Harlequins 24 vs. Glasgow Warriors 7, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 3 PM, Twickenham Stoop
• Racing 92 - 31 vs. DHL Stormers 22, Sat, Jan 18, 2025, 3 PM, Paris La Defense Arena
• Union Bordeaux-Bègles 66 vs. Hollywoodbets Sharks 12, Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 8 AM, Stade Chaban-Delmas
• Saracens 24 vs. Castres Olympique 32, Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 10:15 AM, StoneX Stadium
• Stade Toulousain 80 vs. Leicester Tigers 12, Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 10:15 AM, Stade Ernest Wallon
• Sale Sharks 33 vs. RC Toulon 7, Sun, Jan 19, 2025, 12:30 PM, Salford Community Stadium

Investec Champions Cup Format 

Key points of the 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup:

• A multi-pool format, as launched in the 2023-2024 season
• 24 elite clubs - eight each from the Gallagher Premiership, URC and TOP 14 - in four pools of six
• Sporting jeopardy, with each club playing against four different opponents, home or away, in the pool stage
• Four highest-ranked clubs in each pool qualify for the Round of 16
• The Investec Champions Cup will be played over eight weekends, with four pool rounds and four knockout rounds culminating in the 2025 final, which will be staged at Cardiff's Principality Stadium on Saturday, May 24.

Investec Champions Cup Weekends

• Round 1 – 6/7/8 December 2024
• Round 2 – 13/14/15 December 2024
• Round 3 – 10/11/12 January 2025
• Round 4 – 17/18/19 January 2025
• Round of 16 – 4/5/6 April 2025
• Quarter-finals – 11/12/13 April 2025
• Semi-finals – 2/3/4 May 2025
• 2025 Investec Champions Cup final – Saturday, May 24, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Watch Harlequins Vs. Stormers For Free On FloRugby's YouTube

When Does The 2024-2025 Investec Champions Cup Begin? When Is The Champions Cup Final?

The Investec Champions Cup and the EPCR Challenge Cup begin Dec. 6, and the four-round pool-play action ends Jan. 19, 2025. The Round of 16 starts on April 4, while the quarterfinals are April 11-13. The semifinals are May 2-4. 

The EPCR Championships weekend is in Cardiff, Wales at Principality Stadium. There are championship games on May 23 (EPCR Challenge Cup) and May 24 (Investec Champions Cup). 

How To Watch Rugby Matches In The United States On FloRugby

FloRugby and FloSports also are the U.S. home to: 

• Investec Champions Cup
• EPCR Challenge Cup
• Currie Cup
• Top 14
• Super Rugby
• And more

FloRugby also is home to match archives and match replays. 

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