European Rugby Champions Cup
European cup treble should silence doubters, says Toulon try hero Drew Mitchell
Tom Hamilton at Twickenham
May 2, 2015
Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell celebrate with Toulon fans
Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell celebrate with Toulon fans© David Rogers/Getty Images

Toulon winger Drew Mitchell believes their third European title in as many years has silenced the doubters who predicted they would come unstuck against Clermont Auvergne on Saturday.

Mitchell scored a sensational match-winning try to guide Toulon to the Champions Cup title as they beat Clermont 24-18 at Twickenham. They were made to work hard for their win with Clermont winning the early collisions and scoring first but the accurate boot of Leigh Halfpenny coupled with tries from Mathieu Bastareaud and Mitchell proved to be enough.

The result means they have now become the first team to win three European titles on the bounce as they hit form at just the right time having fallen short of their own high expectations despite advancing in both the quarters and semi-finals.

Toulon needed extra-time to beat Leinster in the final four but Mitchell said their triumph on Saturday proved they still have plenty left in the tank.

"It's hard to describe what this means," Mitchell said. "We've been questioned as a squad lately, how we came together, what we're playing for, but we always knew we are a driven side.

"We were pushed all the way by Clermont, right to the end like a couple of years ago. They could have snuck it at the end, but we know we have the respect, trust and belief in each other.

"Whenever we concede points, we always make sure we go back and put some pressure and points back on them. Then it's about taking your opportunities and we just took one more than they did. We'll have a good craic tonight and then go home to celebrate this with our town and region."

© Tom Hamilton at Twickenham

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