The Albany Gazette - Isa hat-trick powers Toulon into Champions Cup quarters in Saracens thriller

Isa claimed his hat-trick in a 24-minute spell either side of the break after three-time former champions Sarries had built a 22-point lead after a little over half an hour of play in blazing sunshine on the French Riviera.

France full-back Melvyn Jaminet scored 32 points, including two of 10 Toulon tries, in his first Champions Cup game since finishing his lengthy ban for making racist marks on social media last July.

Toulon, also champions on three occasions, will host holders Toulouse or Sale, who meet on Sunday, in next weekend's last eight.

The 114 points scored by the sides was the second highest in the tournament's history, only beaten by the 124 scored by Toulouse and Ebbw Vales in 1998.

Saracens had chosen to rest a host of England internationals including lock Maro Itoje and hooker Jamie George, prioritising their Premiership commitments.

Despite an inexperienced team they deservedly led 35-13 just after the half-hour mark.

Two tries from Isa's fellow Pumas back-rower Juan Martin Gonzalez and touchdowns by Wales centre Nick Tompkins, English midfielders Olly Hartley and South African scrum-half Ivan van Zyl handed Mark McCall's outfit the perfect start.

Fiji winger Jiuta Wainiqolo's five-pointer and a conversion and two penalties from Jaminet were the hosts' only contributions in a nightmare opening 32 minutes.

Toulon's comeback started five minutes before the break as Isa crashed over for his first try, having been to blame for two of Saracens' five early tries.

Jaminet then crossed and his conversion brought his side within eight points of Sarries at half-time.

Isa's second touchdown, after 56 minutes put Toulon into the lead with his third coming on the hour mark.

Samoa lock Brian Alainu'uese, New Zealand centre Leicester Fainga'anuku, France scrum-half Baptiste Serin, Fiji full-back Setariki Tuicuvu and Jaminet also crossed in a stunning second-half display for the hosts who reach the last eight for the first time since 2018.

Northampton will host the winners of Treviso's trip to Castres, who face each other later on Saturday, in the next round after hammering Clermont 46-24 on Friday.

Saturday's highlight though will be a Ronan O'Gara derby as the La Rochelle director of rugby welcomes former province Munster to western France.

More than 2,000 fans have travelled from Ireland from the game as O'Gara eyes a first win in all competitions since January.

Around 60,000 supporters are expected as four-time winners Leinster play Harlequins at Croke Park before Leicester head to Glasgow in the final game of the day.

On Sunday, six-time champions and holders Toulouse face Sale Sharks after top seeds from the pool stage Bordeaux-Begles host 1999's winners Ulster.

(O.Robinson--TAG)