Morning Chronicle - Under-strength Toulouse overpower Montauban in Top 14

Internationals Antoine Dupont, Thomas Ramos, Francois Cros and Manny Meafou were all watching from the stands as Toulouse collected an offensive bonus point for the ninth time in ten home games to cement their grip on first place.

Even so, backs coach Clement Poitrenaud was far from satisfied with the display.

"We need to set ourselves higher standards than that, we expected better in terms of building up play," he said. "We scored almost 70 points, so we're going to come across as arrogant if we're not happy."

"We're more focused on our objectives than the results, and we have a cushion because we're ahead at the top of the Top 14."

Toulouse moved 14 points clear of Montpellier, who climbed to second after scoring five tries as they thrashed Racing 92 41-17.

Either Pau or Bordeaux-Begles could trim that lead when they meet on Sunday evening.

Elsewhere, Martin Meliande of Lyon missed a 40-metre penalty with the last kick against Toulon and the game ended 13-13, the third draw in the Top 14 this season.

In the race for the sixth, and final, playoff place, Toulon fell four points behind Stade Francais who ran in six tries as they crushed struggling Perpignan 42-21.

Toulouse coach Ugo Mola was able to start four members of the France 42, and two of them Alexandre Roumat and Kalvin Gourgues were among the eight different try scorers.

With his team 40-6 ahead at the break. Mola started to empty his powerful bench, taking off two of his Bleus, Gourgues and Pierre-Louis Barassi, but bringing on two more: Peato Mauvaka and Georges-Henri Colombe.

Lucien Richardis, a 20-year-old Spaniard, replaced Gourgues at half time and scored twice. Former France international Teddy Thomas also touched down twice.

A.Atkinson--MC-UK