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Perpignan claimed a hard-fought 20-14 win over Stade Francais to move into second place in the Top 14 before 77,000 at the Stade de France.

The big guns of French rugby swapped tries in the first half but it was the visitors who led 10-5 at the break.

A 58th minute touchdown by Jerome Porical, who tallied 15 points, proved the difference as 14-man Perpignan held out heroically against Stade's late siege.

Former European champions Toulouse (pictured) put in a powerful second-half display to down Biarritz 23-3.

Toulouse's slick two-try victory ended a run of seven wins for Biarritz who dropped down a place to fourth.

"We lost against one of the best teams in Europe at the moment," said Biarritz hooker Benoit August. "It's nothing to be ashamed off and it shows us what we need to do."

England's 2003 World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson continued his storming start to the season with a try, five conversions and two penalties as Toulon trounced Bourgoin 46-28.

The Mediterranean stars ran in six tries to Bourgoin's three and manager Philippe Saint-Andre was happy.

"It was a key match for us because if we had lost we could have tumbled into the bottom half of the league," he said.

"Everything might not have been perfect but we are making progress. In the last two minutes we had the energy to score the try which gave us the attacking bonus point."

Jonathan Wisniewski kicked all Racing-Metro's 18 points to down Brive 18-10.

Early season leaders Clermont were beaten 16-9 at Montpellier, their third defeat of the campaign, and Montauban eased past basement outfit Albi 20-6.

On Friday night, 15 points from the boot of New Zealand fly-half Cameron McIntyre was enough to condemn Bayonne to their first home defeat of the season and secure Castres' top spot with a 15-6 victory.

AFP