Intro:

Defending champions Toulon made a winning start to their European Rugby Championship Cup campaign on Sunday, beating visitors Scarlets 28-18.

Script:

Toulon began their defence of their European Rugby Champions Cup title, by hosting Scarlets in a pool three game at the Stade Mayol.

Fly-half Matt Giteau claimed the opening try after spotting a gap in the Scarlets defence.

The Australian exchanging passes with Maxime Mermoz before diving over on the 18 minute mark.

Scarlets levelled matters with a try of their own 10 minutes later - John Barclay sliding over from Aled Davies' pass.

But the advantage stood for only two minutes.

Scott Williams' clearing kick was charged down by Toulon centre Mermoz, who hacked it over the try-line before adding the finishing touch to put his side ahead before half time.

In the second period, after a string of penalties Toulon sealed the win on 71 minutes, when Steffon Armitage dived through a gap in the Scarlets' try-line defence.

Looking for a fourth try and a bonus point in the dying seconds, Toulon turned over possession and Scarlets broke down the pitch - winger Kristian Phillips finishing in the corner.

The game ended 28-18 to Toulon - their 12th successive European win.