Error-prone Cheetahs' Challenge Cup run over after defeat to Toulon

The Cheetahs are out of the Challenge Cup after they lost 36-21 to Toulon in a round-of-16 clash at Stade Mayol on Saturday. 

RECAP | Toulon v Cheetahs - Challenge Cup

The Cheetahs dominated the opening exchanges and camped on the Toulon line for the first six minutes. Although they were awarded a few penalties, they opted to set up lineouts to go for the try and, eventually, turned the ball over with Toloun clearing. 

On the other hand, Toulon opted for goal with the first penalty they received and Thomas Salles, usually so reliable from the kicking tee, fluffed his lines as the ball sailed past the right-hand upright. 

A period of extended possession followed for Toulon, and unlike the Cheetahs, they made it count as Salles cut through the Cheetahs' midfield after being put in space by flyhalf Dan Biggar.

Salles converted his own try to give Toulon a 7-0 lead in the 14th minute. 

The Cheetahs continued showing glimpses of their attacking intent but were continually let down by mistakes.

They almost opened their account in the 26th minute following a maul close to the Toulon line, but somehow the home side turned the ball over and cleared the danger. 

The Cheetahs then suffered a setback in the 30th minute as Toloun launched a long-range attack. From a resulting ruck, lock Rynier Bernardo was sent to the bin for a cynical infringement.

Toulon set up a lineout 5 meters from the Cheetahs' line and made their extra man count when hooker Teddy Baubigny scored from the resulting maul.

Salles missed his conversion attempt, but the home side now led comfortably 12-0 with 8 minutes left in the half. 

The Cheetahs continued to produce chances, but again, their discipline let them down.

Wing Daniel Kasende was penalised for a push on