Three-time European Champions Cup winners Toulon had an almighty fright as they edged out the Scarlets 21-20 in their Pool Five opening round in France.
Playing against his former club, Lions full-back Leigh Halfpenny missed a late penalty as a second half comeback pushed the French outfit all the way.
The first half was dominated by a powerful Toulon display with Eric Escande and Guilhem Guirado crossing for tries and in doing so reaching an 18 point lead. Scoring a point a minute in a one-sided first 40 minutes at Stade Mayol.
But the second half saw the reigning league champions right back in the game as Johnny McNicholl and Halfpenny both crossed the line. Backed by a large and vocal Scarlets away support, it looked like the Scarlets could pull off a huge win in the pool 5 clash.
However as the clock hit 80 minutes and the scoreline at 21-20, Toulon looked to end with a score but were denied by a solid defence from the Welsh region. Man of the match was awarded to Fijian winger Josua Tuisova.
The Scarlets next match is this Friday, October 23 as they welcome English side Bath to Parc Y Scarlets in the second round of the European Rugby Champions Cup. Kick off is at 7:45pm.
