JOHNNY SEXTON’S RACING Métro secured a 17-10 home victory over champions Toulon in the Top 14 last night, with the Irishman contributing a conversion during his 50 minutes on the pitch.
A first-half try from lock Francois van der Merwe was vital for the Parisians, while France international scrum-half Maxime Machenaud kicked 10 points as he took over kicking duties from Sexton.
Those scores cancelled out fullback James O’Connor’s scintillating try for Toulon – which stemmed from a rare Sexton error – as well as Frédéric Michalak’s conversion and penalty.
Sexton shipped a heavy knock in the first half after a shoulder charge from Craig Burden that his teammates felt was late. However, the 29-year-old recovered to complete 50 minutes of play before making way for South African Johan Goosen at out-half.
Toulon remain league leaders with their nine match points, while Racing move up to sixth after their second win in three games.
Elsewhere, Grenoble – with Bernard Jackman and Mike Prendergast key parts of the coaching team – secured their first victory of the season with an impressive bonus-point 37-23 success at home to Bordeaux.
Exciting Fijian wing Alapati Ratini bagged a hat-trick of tries, while young Kiwi back row Rory Grice and in-form centre Nigel Hunt also dotted down. New out-half Jonathan Wisniewski kicked 12 points off the tee in a rounded Grenoble performance.
After securing losing bonus points in difficult opening games away to Clermont and Montpellier, FCG now move up to eighth on the league ladder.
Top 14 newcomers La Rochelle notched their maiden win of the season too, beating Toulouse 37-25 at Stade Marcel Deflandre, with Australian wing Alofa Alofa scoring two tries.
Last season’s defeated finalists Castres clicked into life in their round three tie at home to Bayonne, powering to a 30-6 victory, while the promoted Lyon beat Brive 24-6 thanks in part to a Toby Arnold brace of tries.
Meanwhile, Irish lock Damian Browne and Oyonnax impressed during their 33-6 win over Stade Français in the Stade Charles Mathon. Former Toulouse wing Yves Donguy touched down twice to help Oyonnax up to ninth in the Top 14.
On Friday night, Montpellier pulled off a shock victory away to Clermont to move into fourth position.
