Top 14 Round Two Recap
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Clermont claimed top spot on the Top 14 log after they handed Racing 92 their first defeat at the U Arena.
Pau 20 - 10 RC Toulon
Colin Slade starred in Pau's victory over Toulon this weekend with the former All Black first five spoiling the party for his fellow All Blacks Julian Savea and Liam Messam who were on debut for Toulon.
Slade was solid off the tee and controlled Pau's attack well. Josua Tuisova opened the scoring for Toulon and Pau replied through Sean Dougall about 15 minutes later.
Toulon's ill-discipline on defence allowed Pau to keep the scoreboard ticking over as they took an 11-7 lead into the break.
Anthony Belleau added narrowed the lead to just one point soon after the break but once again Pau extended the lead through two Slade penalties and a third from Tom Taylor.
Castres Olympique 19-16 Lyon
Castres claimed their second win of the season after an impressive win over Montpellier last weekend.
Jonathan Wisniewski opened the scoring with two penalties before Jeremie Maurouard scored and try before the break.
The two sides traded penalties before the break which left Castres with a mountain to climb in the second half trying 3-16.
Castres held their opponents scoreless in the second half - for the second week running - as Thomas Combezou ran in two tries and Scott Spedding scored a penalty as they levelled the scores 16 all.
Rory Kockott stepped up to slot a clutch penalty to secure the win.
Montpellier 36 - 14 La Rochelle
A convincing win by Montpellier with their forwards absolutely dominating the first half as they took a 19-0 lead into the break.
La Rochelle was much stronger in the second half with the introduction of Dany Priso and Uini Atonio not only strengthening the scrum but making it a real weapon for the visitors.
La Rochelle were the first side on the scoreboard through a Jeremey Sinzelle try before Paul Willemse responded for the home side.
Sinzelle then sent a brilliant cross kick for Andreu who scored but it was too late for the visitors as Francois Steyn converted a penalty and Romain Ruffenach scored a late try to put the game beyond any doubt.
Stade Francais 20 - 8 Union Bordeaux Begles
Stade Francais continued their winning ways with a solid performance against the Bordeaux Begles.
Both kickers would want to forget the first half with many missed opportunities. The highlight of the first 40 minutes was a fantastic try in the corner by Australian winger Blair Connor as Begles went into half-time with an 8-6 up.
Stade Francais came into the second half looking like a completely different side their power at scrum time was unmatched which lead to multiple penalties and a yellow card for Jefferson Poirot.
This dominance allowed the Stade Francais backline to shine and quickly took the lead with two tries. Plisson found his kicking boots to convert two difficult conversions from the corner. There was simply no answer to the physical Stade Francais pack who saw the game out comfortably.
Grenoble 20 - 23 Toulouse
The game wasn't without controversy with Alaska Taufa getting a yellow card for this tackle on Romain Nt'amack:
Agen 25 - 23 Perpignan
What was expected to be a humdinger of a game did not disappoint as both sides managed to keep the scoreboard ticking in the opening 10 minutes, Clermont managed to come out of this period with a 6 - 3 lead.
What followed next was all Clermont as they gained a 20 -3 lead going into halftime through two penalties conversions by Laidlaw and a few moments of magic from Camille Lopez who slottd a drop goal and a brilliantly set Wesley Fofana up for his try.