Toulouse wrest Top 14 lead from Stade Francis

Toulouse deposed long-time leaders Stade Francais at the head of the Top 14 on Sunday with a crushing 49-18 home win.

Even resting several stars ahead of the Champions Cup final against Leinster at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 25 May, Toulouse outscored the Parisians six tries to two.

With three rounds to go, Toulouse moved three points ahead of Stade, who had topped the table since February.

After a second straight defeat they only lead third place Bordeaux-Begles, who they face next weekend, by four points.

Toulouse coach Ugo Mola rested flyhalf Romain Ntamack and began with star scrumhalf Antoine Dupont as well as lock Emmanuel Meafou, flanker Francois Cros and hooker Peato Mauvaka on the bench.

Ange Capuozzo returned to competitive action on the wing after injuring a finger with Italy during the Six Nations.

Winger Matthis Lebel and scrumhalf Paul Graou touched down for the home team in the first half while winger Lester Etien replied for the visitors who trailed 20-15 at the break.

Centre Pita Ahki and fullback Thomas Ramos scored early in the second half before Etien again responded.

Two late tries from Meafou secured the bonus point. Ramos kicked 15 points and Capuozzo booted one conversion.

Toulouse ended a run of five matches without a win against Stade and extended their home unbeaten run, which stretches back to February 2022.

They face struggling Montpellier next Saturday before heading to London.