Coming off the bench, controversial Toulon signing Sonny Bill Williams scored on his debut in the Top 14 as Tana Umaga's newcomers recovered from a half-time deficit to beat Clermont 22-16 last night.
Williams hadn't been on for more than a few minutes, so his first touch of the ball in the French championship was a good one. It was the first of three tries on the night for Toulon, as the home side went on to record a famous win, after not being in the top flight for two years.
They couldn't have asked for a better start to their 2008/2009 campaign, and with coach Umaga, All Black veteran Jerry Collins, young gun league superstar Sonny Bill Williams, and a whole host of home-grown and foreign talent, they'll be looking to integrate experience with youth as they march on towards what they're hoping will be a successful season.
Their nightmare first half last night changed with Williams' try, as he got the ball rolling towards an impressive victory. The try itself was fairly soft, but Williams showed good pace to get away, with it being a a pretty big moment for Toulon, Sonny Bill, and of course those in the NRL, who were no doubt watching on with interest.
The off-field issues with Williams have now been settled, with him supposedly having paid out a fixed amount as part of the settlement. He is also not allowed to play for another NRL club until the end of the 2012 season, when his contract was originally meant to end.
Well try our best to bring you other Top 14 action as the season gets into full swing. If the first night is anything to go by, we're in for a cracking few months.
Time: 02:03
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