Glasgow’s dream of reaching their first-ever Investec Champions Cup semi-final ended in disappointment as they were beaten 22-19 by 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. Toulon racked up the penalty count in their own 22 and Warriors eventually took 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 Juan Ignacio 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.
PA
