Stade Toulouse went top of Top 14 with a 44-23 victory against a plucky Castres side.

France wing Vincent Clerc scored a hat-trick of second-half tries to secure the victory after the hosts trailed 20-13 at half-time.

They were rocked as 11th placed Castres scored a second-minute try through former All Black Kevin Senio before Anthony Lagardère booted a drop goal.

The 16-time champions levelled at 10-10 following Valentin Courrent's score but Joe Tekori notched a try four minutes before the interval for the visitors.

However Clerc scored twice in the space of seven second-half minutes before sealing the win as he rounded off a superb sweeping move.

Toulouse now lead Clermont by two points after six rounds of play.

Eurosport