With extra time on the cards at the Stade Felix Mayol, Wilkinson dropped into the pocket from fully 40 metres to finally put a stubborn Stade resistance to bed.

The visitors had led 19-11 at the break at 26-23 just after the hour-mark but it was Wilkinson's composure right at the death that ensured Stade won't be appearing in a second successive Amlin showpiece.

Toulon enjoyed a wonder start as Steffan Armitage crossed for a solo try inside the opening two minutes. The English openside, who picked up the Amlin Man of the Match award in the quarter-final thrashing of Harlequins, powered home from 25 metres after linking up with Pierrick Gunther and Sebastien Tillous Borde. Armitage produced a huge hand off on his way to the line to set Toulon on their way to what looked like being a comfortable victory.

But the remainder of the half went nearly all Stade's way as they shocked their hosts with a Hugo Bonneval try and a sublime kicking display from Jules Plisson.

After Wilkinson's touchline conversion had hit the left post protector, Stade hit back with the game 12 minutes old. A fine angled run from left wing Julien Arias sent Bonneval cruising over, with Plisson adding the simple extras to push the visitors 7-5 in front.

A Plisson penalty on the quarter of an hour mark and a 21st minute drop goal extended Stade's lead 13-5 as the Toulon faithful fell eerily quiet.

Two more Plisson kicks were met by a brace from Wilkinson - the second right on the whistle - and it was Stade who entered the break by far the happier of the two teams.

But a hat-trick of penalties and a drop goal from Wilkinson inside the opening quarter of an hour of the second half swung the game dramatically in Toulon's favour as Stade were continually pinged, much to the annoyance of coaches Michael Cheika and Mario Ledesma.

Just as it seemed as though Toulon were taking a grip on proceedings having moved into a 23-19 lead, Stade hit back with a wonderful try from centre Morgan Turinui. The Australian rounded a fine move that began with a switch of direction at the base of a scrum. Full back Bonneval and Arias were heavily involved before Turinui danced round towards the sticks.

Plisson's conversion saw Stade move 26-23 ahead but another Wilkinson penalty brought Toulon level moments later.

Yet another Wilkinson three pointer edged Toulon ahead 29-26 with 13 minutes left but Plisson responded almost immediately with a well-taken drop goal.

Arias' yellow card for pulling back Sebastien Bruno handed Toulon the initiative, though, and it was the hosts who finished the stronger. It took them time to find the winner but, when it eventually came, it was well worth the wait.