Had Toulon won, with France already have clinched their maximum of 7 sides in the Heineken, the 24th spot would have gone to Gloucester as the side with the best European record who hadn't already qualified.
It all looked good for Gloucester as Toulon led 16-9 shortly into the second half and were awarded a more than kickable penalty on the Cardiff 22.
However, Toulon skipper Juan Fernandez Lobbe obviously saw a chance to put the Blues away and took a quick tap penalty.
All Toulon gained was a penalty considerably nearer the touchline which Jonny Wilkinson missed and the England fly half then collapsed in discomfort from an injury suffered following Lobbe's tap and had to leave the fray.
Toulon seemed to lose shape and Cardiff visibly grew in self belief. The Blues went on to score three tries and, despite a ferocious Toulon comeback, hung on to take the trophy by 28 points to 21.
