Joe van Niekerk’s Toulon slumped to a 25-9 defeat on Thursday to allow Perpignan to consolidate pole position in the Top 14.

With Jonny Wilkinson called up to the England starting side, Toulon handed entrusted Sebastien Fauque with the goal-kicking duties before bringing on former Cheetahs flyhalf Conrad Barnard in the second half. Toulon were never able to make up the ground after going to the break 15-6 down.

In other French domestic fixtures, Toulouse hammered Bourgoin 41-3 while Castres and Clermont shared the spoils in a 9-9 draw. Stade Francais beat Albi 23-18 and the match between Biarritz and Racing Metro was postponed due to heavy showers.

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