An 80th minute drop goal from Anthony Belleau has ended La Rochelle's remarkable season as Toulon won a thrilling Top 14 semifinal 18-15 in front of over 63,000 fans at the Vélodrome in Marseille.
La Rochelle -- who finished the regular season on top of the standings -- were in control with a 15-6 lead early in the second half until centre Pierre Aguillon was red carded for a tip tackle on Toulon midfielder and former Australian international James O'Connor.
British & Irish Lions fullback Leigh Halfpenny reduced the gap from the proceeding penalty, before kicking his fourth goal of the match to bring the score to 15-12 with 20 minutes to play.
Toulon enjoyed the majority of possession, but failed to turn it into points as dropped passes and resolute defence from La Rochelle frustrated the 2014 champions.
Halfpenny levelled it at 15-15 with a 70th minute penalty to set the game up for a grandstand finish. La Rochelle replacement playmaker Zack Holmes had two long range penalty attempts thereafter but both were astray.
La Rochelle then gave away a crucial ruck penalty late in the game that saw Toulon kick for touch and set up from the lineout, and after a few phases to get Belleau near the posts the young fly-half made no mistake from close range.
Toulon will face either Clermont or Racing 92 in next week's final.