Montpellier crushed Brive 42-13, while there were also wins for Castres, Pau, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Toulon in the French Top 14.

Montpellier completely outclassed Brive as they ran in five tries, while conceding just one to secure maximum log points. The result promotes Jake White’s side to third in the standings.

The hosts led 18-6 at the break thanks to a brace by blockbusting winger Nemani Nadolo, and two penalties and a conversion by flyhalf Demetri Catrakilis. The winners were more clinical and precise after the break as they doubled their score.

Frans Steyn, starting at inside centre, opened the scoring in the second half with one of three further Montpellier tries, while Catrakilis added to his tally with two conversions against the hapless Brive.

Meanwhile, Castres, featuring Rory Kockott and Jody Jenneker, stunned defending champions Racing 31-23; Pau secured a thrilling 39-38 win against hosts Grenoble; La Rochelle beat Bayonne 34-17 to come away with a bonus-point win that keeps them at the top of the log; and Bordeaux, despite conceding two yellow cards, defeated Lyon 32-10.

Elsewhere, Toulouse battled to past Stade Français 23-18 in a controversial match. Stade were reduced to 14 men when No 8 Sergio Parisse was red-carded in the 37th minute, but the visitors fought bravely to restrict Toulouse.

On Sunday, Toulon edged Clermont 23-21 in Mayol. Clermont almost snatched a late victory in the 78th minute when Camile Lopez attempted a drop goal, but his effort drifted wide. 

Round six results:

Montpellier 42 Brive 13
Castres 31 Racing 23
Grenoble 38 Pau 38
La Rochelle 34 Bayonne 17
Bordeaux 32 Lyon 10
Toulouse 23 Stade Français 18
Toulon 23 Clermont 21

Photo: Pascal Gayot/Getty Images