Toulouse have been out of form and they were playing away. The week before they had collapsed when in a winning position, and this week they were down going into the second half. But this week they stood up and, although not scoring a try, beat Biarritz. It was probably a victory of resolve.

Stade Français and Clermont Auvergne are still well on top of the Top 14 but Biarritz's defeat has meant that Perpignan have moved above them into third place and Toulouse have now drawn closer as both have 48 league points.

Bourgoin's away defeat at the hands of Montauban was predicted but has not moved Bourgoin out of six place though the top five are now eight points clear.

Agen battled in difficult conditions but at home where they are always better and their victory over Castres has moved them a place above Castres as they move to 8th, an important place to be when knock-outs come around.

Albi's win over Brive must have caused meany a sight of relief as it has moved them up to 10th place, which means there are four sides nearer relegation than they are.

Bayonne stay bottom though their bonus point moves them slightly nearer Montpellier. It's tough in the lower echelons.

It's early to assess injuries at this stage but Toulouse's Cédric Heymans left the field late in the match with an injury to his ribs on the left side, and Bourgoin's scrumhalf Mickaël Forest sustained a knee injury.  The worst injury may swell have been to Pablo Canavosio, Italy's Argentinian-born international, who will be out for at least three months following an injury caused by Rupeni Caucau's suspect tackle which damaged a hand badly enough to require an operation.

The weekend's results:

Agen vs Castres, 20-9
Albi vs Brive, 19-3
Clermont Auvergne vs Montpellier, 31-18
Montauban vs Bourgoin, 26-17
Perpignan vs Bayonne, 36-30
Stade Français vs Narbonne, 41-0
Toulouse vs Biarritz, 21-16

Standings

1. Paris 60 
2. Clermont 54
3. Perpignan 50
4. Biarritz 48
5. Toulouse 48
6. Bourgoin 40 
7. Montauban 37
8. Agen 37 
9. Castres 33
10. Albi 32
11. Brive 31 
12. Narbonne 30
13. Montpellier 28
14. Bayonne 27