Glasgow Warriors’ dream of reaching their first-ever Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment as they were beaten 22-19 by RC Toulon at Scotstoun.
Franco Smith’s side entered the game as slight favourites on the back of their strong home form and their visitors’ domestic struggles.
But it would be three-time European champions Toulon who would edge a tumultuous tie by four tries to three to set up a last-four clash against either Leinster or Sale.
Glasgow were forced into a late change before kick-off when Max Williamson was ruled out, with Macenzzie Duncan taking his place on the bench.
It was the home side who took the lead after a cagey opening with Toulon racking up the penalty count in their own 22 and Warriors eventually taking advantage.
Alex Samuel pouched the lineout before finding Ben Afshar and the scrum-half’s pass inside sent Stafford McDowall over for the first try of the match.
Toulon, though, struck back quickly. Scotland scrum-half Ben White’s long pass picked out Jeremy Sinzelle, who moved the ball onto Gael Drean to dot down.
A trademark Kyle Steyn run then carried Glasgow back into Toulon territory but, after a number of pick-and-go efforts, Sione Tuipulotu was held up just short of the line.
Toulon, though, had been warned by referee Karl Dickson for their ill-discipline and at the next infringement, Junior Kpoku was shown the yellow card.
Glasgow wasted no time in taking advantage of the extra man as McDowall picked out Ollie Smith with a brilliant pass, allowing the winger to dart down the line to score.
The hosts soon found themselves on the back foot against and Jean-Baptiste Gros crept over the line for a converted try that knotted the scoreboard up at 12-12.
Toulon then forged in front for the first time in the match. Melvyn Jaminet passed wide to Drean and the winger used his pace to scorch away and inside Dan Lancaster for his second try of the tie.
Glasgow started the second half on top and soon regained the lead. The lineout maul seemed to be drifting into touch but Gregor Hiddleston broke off to stretch for the line.
The French side then enjoyed a period of pressure close to the Glasgow line only for the defence to stand firm before finally winning a penalty to ease the danger.
But Toulon did finally break through when Nacho Brex picked a gap and burst through to power all the way to the line.
Warriors enjoyed one last flurry as they looked to get back in front but their opponents forced the turnover to seal the win.
Leinster win big to move into semi-finals
Leinster’s Jamie Osborne scores a try during the Investec Champions Cup quarter-final match
Leinster Rugby ran in six tries as they trounced Sale Sharks 43-13 to book their place in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals, where they will face the three-time champions Toulon.
The Irish province got off to the perfect start at the Aviva Stadium when, after they had secured line-out ball, they went through the phases before hooker Dan Sheehan crashed over to score a 10th-minute try and Harry Byrne added the conversion.
Sharks reduced the deficit six minutes before the break with a penalty from England fly-half George Ford, but they were down to 14 men with four minutes left on the clock when number eight Dan du Preez was shown a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on.
Full-back Hugo Keenan stretched Leinster’s lead with a second try three minutes after the restart and prop Simon McIntyre’s yellow card for a high tackle did not aid Sale’s cause despite a second Ford penalty.
Flanker Ryan Baird crossed for a third try for the hosts and wingers Rieko Ioane and Tommy O’Brien followed suit with Byrne adding the conversions.
Sale replacement Alex Willis touched down in the corner and Ford obliged with the extras, but a Byrne penalty and a converted Jamie Osborne try wrapped up a convincing win.
