Farrell: Toulon defeat needs to spur Saracens on

Saracens captain Owen Farrell could not hide his disappointment after going down 25-16 to RC Toulon in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday.

Toulon got off to the perfect start with a try just three minutes, but Saracens got on the board with a penalty not long after. Saracens then hit the posts with a penalty, but charged down Toulon's clearance attempt by Ben Earl resulted in a try. The sides then traded penalties before Toulon missed a shot at goal just before halftime.

However, Toulon would run in a try with the final play of the first half to take a 15-13 lead into the break.

Saracens missed a long-range shot at goal five minutes into the second half, with the sides then alternating penalties to see Toulon up 18-16 after 58 minutes. Toulon then crossed for a try on the hour mark to take control of the match with a nine-point lead. That would be the final score, as Toulon ground out the remainder of the match to set up an all-French final clash with Lyon.

Speaking after the match, Farrell was understandably disappointed and didn't hide that fact.

Owen Farrell on Saracens defeat and exit out of the Challenge Cup pic.twitter.com/2Z6AjblsHv

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“We are obviously disappointed with the result but probably more with the performance, especially in that first half,” said Farrell after the tough defeat.

“I feel like we could have given a better account of ourselves, especially in some areas we pride ourselves on. We will have to look inwards now, and we need to make sure it spurs us on for the rest of the season.

“We couldn’t string too much together today. Massive credit to Toulon in the way they defended, and how they slowed down our breakdown in particular.

“It was hard to play against. We need to make sure we figure out why, and make sure it doesn’t happen again.

“People will feel the way they are feeling tonight, and we will have a look at it tomorrow. We’ll get straight on to it.”