New Zealand scrum half Byron Kelleher scored three tries for Toulouse in their 20-6 victory over Biarritz in the French Top 14 championship on Sunday.

Reigning champions Toulouse played well rather than brilliantly but it was enough to inflict Biarritz's first defeat of the season and earn a bonus point.

Biarritz however can have some regrets that they did not capitalise on their first half domination.

Kelleher said: "The opportunities were there and I took them. I was happy with that."

Former France captain and Toulouse lock Fabien Pelous said it had not been an easy match.

"Biarritz were hard to play against and it was an important match for us. In the physical side of the game we played really well," Pelous said.

The victory had put Toulouse up to fourth spot with Biarritz in fifth.

On Saturday, Stade Francais regained top spot following a 26-11 win at Perpignan with Bayonne, 17-6 winners over Clermont on Friday, in second spot.

Tries from Dave Vainqueur and Julien Arias orchestrated the win by the Parisians, who had Lionel Beauxis and Juan Martin Hernandez once again at their disposal. Christophe Manas touched down for Perpignan.

Perpignan manager Jacques Brunel said afterwards: "They dominated us. It was difficult for us to put the likes of Hernandez and Beauxis in difficulty. We wanted to put them under pressure but could not manage it.

"We did not succeed in getting the ball forward and we were often on the back foot and they were more consistent than us."

Bayonne were in second spot following their third successive victory of the season while Clermont now have only one victory in three matches before next Saturday's hosting of Toulouse.

Outsiders Montauban thanked the boot of Fabien Fortassin for all their points -- five penalties and a drop goal -- in an 18-14 victory over Bourgoin to put themselves third.

Eleventh-placed Brive and Castres, a place further back, drew 16-16 which was a result neither team wanted as both are without a victory so far this season.

Bottom club Dax also missed a chance to get points on the board after being defeated 9-6 at home by Montpellier. In Saturday's late match, Tana Umaga's Toulon fell 25-18 at Mont-de-Marsan.

AFP

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