Rory Kockott contributed 16 points to a 38-6 win for Castres over Brive as the battle for Top 14 play-off places heated up.

And nowhere was it more heated than at Stade Pierre-Antoine, where the referee ruled, issuing three red cards and three yellow cards. France prop Yannick Forestier (Castres) and scrumhalf Damien Nevreau (Brive) were sent off after a vicious brawl in the 48th minute and flank Dominiko Waqaniburotu followed in the 68th, reducing Brive to 13 men.

Kockott nevertheless kicked four penalties and two conversions to help his team climb to fourth on the log with 60 points, just four behind leaders Clermont.

The leaders narrowly maintained their winning run at home with a late 22-16 victory over inconsistent title rivals Toulon on Friday.

A brace of Morgan Parra penalties in the closing minutes ensured les Jaunards extended their unbeaten streak at Marcel Michelin to 74 games.

Stade Français hung in for a 27-27 draw against Toulouse after leading 27-8 at half-time. They then had to defend desperately as Toulouse came back at them. The Parisiens were eventually outscored three tries to four, but the unerring boot of Julien Dupuy, who contributed 17 points with a try, three conversions and two penalties, gave them a comfortable cushion.

Dupuy was appointed sharpshooter when France flyhalf Jules Plisson was named at No 10. Springbok flyhalf Morné Steyn was left to warm the bench until the 79th minute. Nevertheless, Stade slipped back to fifth, on 58 points, while Toulouse dropped to sixth.

Results:

Clermont Auvergne 22 Toulon 16
Stade Français 27 Toulouse 27
Bayonne 22 Bordeaux Begles 23
Castres 38 Brive 6
Oyonnax 8 Montpellier 22
Perpignan 16 Biarritz 10
Grenoble 13 Racing Métro 26

Photo: Remy Gabalda/AFP Photo