A frustrated Ma'a Nonu costs Toulon in narrow loss to Stade Francais

Ma'a Nonu emerged as the main talking point in France over the weekend after his interaction with the referee in Toulon's 24-23 loss to Stade Francais on Sunday.

The former All Black centre returned to Toulon as injury cover last month and has been a regular starter since. 

With Toulon trailing and on the attack in the final 5 minutes of the encounter at the Stade Jean-Bouin, Nonu pleaded with referee Mathieu Raynal for a penalty as the Stade Francais defenders failed to roll away quick enough for Nonu's liking.

Raynal brushed off Nonu's first plea but penalised the 38-year-old when he called out for a penalty a second just moments later.

Ma'a Nonu cost Toulon an attacking possession in the 75th minute of Toulon's 24-23 loss to Stade Francais.

Mathieu Raynal penalised the former All Black for his complaints at two rucks. pic.twitter.com/jqAbMRnZKI

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) December 7, 2020

Raynal explained his decision to Nonu saying: 'The first time I didn't say anything, okay, but I will not accept two time. You can't put your hands up and explain to me how to ref, I don't explain to you how to play' 

Stade Francais would go on to win the match 24-23 with Toulon failing to capitalise on their late pressure.

Lester Etien managed to score the opening try of the game in the 15th minute after Baptiste, starting at flyhalf, slotted and missed a penalty in the first 10 minutes. Joris Segonds added a drop goal in the 20th minute to make it 8-3 before Sergio Parisse dotted down for the Parisian club in the 24th minute.

Segonds added another penalty in the 30th minute before Christopher Tolofua scored before half time to make it 11-17 in Toulon's favour. Tolu Latu scored with Segonds adding the extras and two further penalties with Serin replying with two as Stade held out for their sixth win from ten matches so far in the TOP14. 

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