Top 14: Round 4 - Bayonne snatch dramatic win over Toulon as Lyon's unbeaten run is ended

Stade Français dominated Bordeaux-Bègles at Stade Jean Bouin on September 27, 2025, claiming a convincing 28-7 win. Bordeaux’s only try came from Ugo Boniface, with Thomas Carbonel and Louis Bielle-Biarrey adding penalties.

Stade Français set the tone early, taking an 18-0 lead by half-time thanks to tries from Ward, Dakuwaqa, and Gabrillagues. Carbonel’s conversions extended the margin, ensuring Bordeaux never recovered. Stade Français’ forward pack controlled the breakdown, while their backs exploited space with crisp handling and smart kicks. Bordeaux’s resistance was limited to a late consolation score, but Stade Français’ clinical finishing and defensive discipline made the difference. The result underlined their strong start to the season and sent a warning to the rest of the Top 14.

Racing 92 extended their winning streak with a 43-31 victory over Clermont Auvergne at La Défense Arena. Early tries from Tuisova and Joseph set the tone, and Hulleu added another before the break, leaving Racing 22-7 ahead.

Clermont replied through Jauneau and Raka, but Racing’s relentless attack proved decisive. Hughes, Manu, and Fickou scored in the second half, while Seunes and Gibert added conversions. Clermont’s Raka scored twice more, with Hamdaoui crossing late, and Plummer and Raffy converted three of the four second-half tries. A Plummer penalty kept them competitive, but Racing’s superior handling, tempo, and territorial pressure ensured they held off Clermont’s challenge. The match highlighted Racing’s clinical finishing and squad depth, while Clermont’s attacking threat could not overcome defensive lapses.

Promoted Montauban came within seconds of a first Top 14 win since their return, drawing 22-22 with Montpellier at Stade Sapiac. Montpellier struck early with Erdocio’s try, converted by Miotti, before Montauban’s Espeut responded.

Penalties from Bosviel and Miotti kept the scores tight through a tense first half, with Montauban leading 13-10 at the break. Desperate for victory, both sides traded late tries: Bernadet and Hounkpatin scored in the dying minutes, with conversions from Reus and Bosviel. Wilfried Hounkpatin’s last-gasp score denied Montauban the victory, capping a thrilling finale. The match reflected Montauban’s growing confidence and Montpellier’s resilience under pressure, highlighting both teams’ determination to secure early points in the season.

Pau overpowered Lyon 40-15 at Stade du Hameau, climbing above them in the Top 14 table. Hewat and Desperes put Pau ahead with first-half tries, supplemented by penalties from Desperes, giving a 20-9 lead at the break.

Brau-Boirie and Rey added second-half tries, with Simmonds converting both and adding a penalty, securing the bonus-point victory. Lyon’s Berdeu and Lorre responded with penalties, yet Pau’s forward dominance, disciplined kicking, and sharp backs ensured Lyon’s defense was breached repeatedly. The win demonstrated Pau’s attacking balance and tactical maturity, as well as their ability to exploit turnovers and pressure points. Lyon’s unbeaten run has ended, leaving them to reassess defensive weaknesses against high-tempo opposition.

La Rochelle bounced back from a sluggish start to defeat Perpignan 31-8 at Stade Marcel-Deflandre. Maxime Granell’s early try and Aprasidze’s penalty gave Perpignan a slender 8-0 lead.

Ronan O’Gara’s half-time rollicking ignited La Rochelle, with Favre, Jegou, and Penverne scoring in quick succession. Levani Botia’s late try secured a bonus point, while Nolann Le Garrec orchestrated the backline with poise. The hosts’ second-half dominance stemmed from improved ruck efficiency and sharper decision-making, turning a half-time deficit into a commanding win. Perpignan’s early promise faltered under La Rochelle’s relentless pressure. The victory highlighted O’Gara’s effective youth integration and ability to motivate a sluggish side, while reinforcing La Rochelle’s bonus-point potential.

Toulouse ran rampant at Stade Ernest-Wallon, thrashing Castres 59-12. Guillaume Cramont’s first-half hat-trick set the foundation, supported by Ramos’ conversions. Toulouse led 19-12 at half-time despite Castres’ early penalty spree from Popelin and Palis.

The second half saw Toulouse’s backrow Theo Ntamack and winger Mathis Lebel each score twice, complemented by tries from Willis and Ahki. Ramos added the majority of conversions to complete a high-scoring display. Castres’ defense could not contain Toulouse’s pace and offloads, and their only try threats came too late. Toulouse’s combination of power, width, and tactical kicking overwhelmed Castres, reinforcing their status as title contenders.

Bayonne edged Toulon 35-32 at Stade Jean Dauger with a dramatic late finish. Spring and Martin scored early tries, converted by Segonds, with penalties keeping Bayonne ahead 20-10 at half-time.

Toulon rallied after the break, with Drean, Nonu, Serin, and a penalty try closing the gap. Ma'a Nonu became the oldest player to score in Top 14 history, as the All Blacks legend crossed the line aged 43 years and 131 days old. Jaminet converted three, but Bayonne’s resilience held firm. Segonds’ late penalty and 79th-minute drop goal sealed a remarkable victory. The match showcased Bayonne’s composure and tactical kicking, while Toulon’s late surge underlined their attacking flair.