Charl McLeod scored a try as Grenoble beat Racing Métro 27-25 in the French Top 14.

The former Sharks scrumhalf went over early in the game after collecting the ball from No 8 Rory Grice off the back of a 5m scrum.

Johan Goosen started at fullback for Racing Métro, kicking a conversion and three penalties. He was yellow-carded early in the second half for a cynical infringement, but it didn't cost his team too much.

Meanwhile, Toulon laid down a marker as they cruised to a 40-17 bonus-point win over Montpellier. The champions led just 17-14 at the break but ran away with the game in the second half, with James O'Connor scoring two tries.

Clermont moved back to the top of the table as they handed Oyonnax a first home defeat of the season, while Brive and Lyon picked up vital victories at home to Bordeaux-Bègles and Castres respectively.

Stade Français were far too good for La Rochelle at home as they continued their impressive start to the season.

Round 7 results:

Bayonne 35 Toulouse 19
Toulon 40 Montpellier 17
Brive 34 Bordeaux-Bègles 24
Grenoble 27 Racing Métro 25
Lyon 28 Castres 18
Stade Français 43 La Rochelle 10
Oyonnax 19 Clermont 8

Photo: Jean-Pierre Clatot/AFP Photo