Toulouse consolidate Top 14 lead

TOP 14 SATURDAY WRAP: Thomas Ramos kicked a conversion and penalty in the final eight minutes to consolidate Toulouse’s place at the head of the Top 14 standings with a 21-17 victory over Racing 92 on Saturday.

Toulouse had raced out to an 11-0 half-time lead thanks to two Ramos penalties and a Jack Willis try.

But tries from Janick Tarrit and Jordan Joseph, both converted by Nolann le Garrec saw Racing take the lead.

Toulouse left it late to snatch the win, Spanish prop Joel Merkler Perez burrowing over from an attacking line-out maul, Ramos making no mistake with the touchline conversion and then kicking his third penalty four minutes later.

Bordeaux-Begles edged Montpellier 9-6 thanks to Maxime Lucu’s three penalties to leave them second in the table on 37 points, two behind Toulouse.

Lucu’s halfback partner Matthieu Jalibert announced after the victory that he has signed a contract that will see him stay at the club until 2028.

Jalibert, who has played 127 games for Bordeaux since making his debut in September 2017, received a standing ovation from the 32,000 crowd at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.

Toulon continued their fine run by winning 22-13 at Perpignan to consolidate fourth place in the standings, seven points behind Toulouse.

Bottom club Vannes notched up a morale-boosting 23-14 victory away at La Rochelle.

Pau put Lyon to the sword, running out 29-15 winners, while Clermont crushed Castres 54-10.

Bayonne entertain Stade Francais in Sunday’s match.