Heineken Cup: Jonny Wilkinson kicks Toulon to a home quarter-final
Toulon fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was delighted to come out on the right end of a "really tough game" against Glasgow.
Last Updated: 18/01/14 7:45pm
The reigning champions of Europe made sure of a home quarter-final with a hard-fought 15-8 triumph at an extremely soggy Scotstoun Stadium.
With the conditions hardly favourable for running rugby it was Wilkinson's boot that was the key to success, the former England international booting five penalties from seven attempts.
However the French side had to weather a late storm from Glasgow. The hosts scored the only try of the contest through Chris Fusaro in the second half and then threatened to grab a share of the spoils in a dramatic finish.
"It was a really tough game," Wilkinson told Sky Sports. "We knew that was going to be the case.
"The ground was a bit wet, which threw up a few questions for us. We've had to fight at the end there - it's good to see a bit of spirit to hold on in defence.
"You get a feeling early on the game with the way it's going. You just try to find your way through to the end and be on the right side of the scoreline.
"We knew building up to it that it wasn't going to be like last week against Cardiff, with the sunshine in the south of France.
"We knew we had to come here and face up to it in defence, front up in the set piece and understand there was going to be a lot of selfless work to do off the ball, especially in defence."
"It's a good victory and we've got a much happier flight home now thanks to the win."
Objective complete
Team-mate Steffon Armitage was also relieved to come through a difficult test on their travels, meaning Toulon finish the group stages with 24 points. Their only defeat came away at Cardiff, one they avenged on home soil.
"We knew it was going to be a tough game," said the flanker. "It was one of those where we need to show ourselves that we can win them, those dirty, wet games.
"Now we get a home quarter-final. That was our objective before the game and I'm glad we've got it."
Glasgow boss Gregor Townsend wasn't too disappointed in defeat, praising his players for the way they fought back from 15-3 down before falling short in their brave comeback bid.
"There was a lot of good stuff from the boys today; we gave them a test with some good aspects of the game to take into the RaboDirect Pro12," he said.
"Defensively we were great, the forward pack were excellent, pushing them back and making it very difficult for them to use their attacking power.
"We just didn't make the most of our opportunities when we had them under pressure. The last five minutes was an excellent period for us and the energy of the boys was outstanding we just couldn't find the breakthrough."