Benetton Rugby were the first Italian side to play an EPCR semi-final as they took on RC Toulon at the Stade Félix Mayol, but it was the French heavyweights who marched into the final with a 23-0 victory.

It looked set to be a tricky afternoon for the hosts when captain Charles Ollivon was shown an early red card, but they were in control throughout as tries from Duncan Paia’aua and Beka Gigashvili, plus 13 points from the boot of Dan Biggar, secured them a fifth EPCR Challenge Cup final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBlAe4KT_dw

Meanwhile, Glasgow emerged triumphant in their first ever EPCR semi-final as they battled back from seven points down at the break to beat Scarlets 35-17 in Llanelli.

Scarlets, who were playing in the EPCR Challenge Cup semi-finals for the first time, were buoyed by a raucous home crowd but could only manage one Steff Evans try and 12 points from the boot of Sam Costelow.

Stafford McDowell (2), George Horne, Johnny Matthews and Rory Darge crossed for Glasgow, with Horne also adding 10 points from the tee as they booked a maiden EPCR final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_pM0detEfM

We continue our recap of this season’s EPCR Challenge Cup, moving onto the two historic semi-finals in Toulon and Llanelli.