John Mitchell, Sharks director of rugby.

Mitchell said: "The team is disappointed, as well as individuals with their own performances.

"I've been looking at this group of players ahead of the Christmas period and I certainly know a lot more about some individuals after that performance.

"Some of the characters have been revealed and I don't have a lot of choice in some positions.

"But we don't have any regrets - we got what we deserved. Toulon were exceptional.

"All the defensive work we did in the first half took its toll. We were there for 35 minutes but we gave them two soft tries through the same channel and unfortunately against a side like Toulon you can't afford to do that.

"We were coming here looking to build on the previous performance at home, but that wasn't achieved and we are very disappointed."

Toulon director of rugby Bernard Laporte said: "I enjoyed the game a lot and we should give credit when credit is due. I must congratulate the players, for their individual performances and team effort.

"Our aim is to secure a home quarter-final. We've had two good wins in Cardiff and Sale and we needed to validate that, which meant getting a bonus-point win."