PARIS (AFP) - Champions Perpignan opened up a four-point lead at the summit of the French Top 14 on Thursday thanks to a 25-9 win over Toulon, who badly missed England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson.

With Wilkinson summoned for international duty, Toulon handed kicking duties to Sebastien Fauque who registered all of his side's points before being replaced by South Africa's Conrad Barnard early in the second period.

Perpignan were already 15-6 ahead at the interval thanks to a penalty try and full-back Farid Sid with fly-half Christophe Manas adding a third score, three minutes from time.

"We earned a very good result, we got the victory and a bonus point," said Perpignan coach Jacques Brunel.

"It's better than we could have hoped as we have been far too timid lately."

Toulon assistant coach Aubin Hueber said: "We lost to a fine team. We are disappointed because we had hoped to take a defensive bonus point."

Former European champions Toulouse moved into second place thanks to a thumping 41-3 home win over Bourgoin.

Toulouse scored five tries, and a bonus point, with Florian Fritz grabbing a brace.

Cedric Heymans, Louis Picamoles and Argentine hooker Alberto Vernet-Basualdo also adding to the score.

Castres and Clermont, who started the day in second and third places respectively, battled to a 9-9 stalemate while Stade Francais edged bottom side Albi 23-18 to go fifth in the table, nine points behind Perpignan.

Stade scored two tries with Pascal Pape and Australian star Mark Gasnier crossing but Albi were always in touch thanks to five penalties from Kevin Boulogne and a penalty and drop goal from Iulian Dumitras.

The match between Biarritz and Racing-Metro was postponed due to heavy rain in the Basque country.