But on Sunday the French side were able to field world-renowned stars of the calibre of Jonny Wilkinson, Juan Fernandez Lobbe, Joe van Niekerk and TanaUmaga.
But he lasted just one minute of Test rugby in New Zealand in 2005 after a shoulder injury following a spear-tackle from All Black pair Keven Mealamu and TanaUmaga.
Wilkinson is just one the big names in Top 14 giants Toulon's squad that also includes former All Black captain TanaUmaga and Argentines Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe and Felipe Contepomi.