Toulon are getting their heavy artillery ready for Saturday’s blockbuster Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.
For the first time in 11 years, Toulon are back in the last four of Europe’s premier club competition, and director of rugby Pierre Mignoni is leaving little to chance ahead of the trip to Dublin.
Fresh from a 52-26 victory over Bayonne in the Top 14, Toulon have welcomed back several key figures who were rested or protected last week with the clash in the Irish capital in mind.
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Among them are South African lock Dave Ribbans, influential captain Charles Ollivon and powerful midfielder Setariki Tuicuvu.
According to RugbyRama, Ribbans returned to training this week, although concerns remain over ongoing back issues that have troubled the former Western Province and England skyscraper in recent months.
Toulon received another timely boost with lock Matthias Halagahu back in full training after missing the Bayonne clash with a foot injury.
However, young lock Corentin Mézou, who started Toulon’s round-of-16 and quarter-final Champions Cup outings, missed training this week for unknown reasons.
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It would be a significant blow for the French side if Mézou is ruled out after his strong form since February. Should he recover in time, Mézou is expected to challenge Halagahu for a starting XV spot.
Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
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