AVIRON BAYONNAIS WINS LEAGUE OPENER
In a packed Jean-Dauger stadium, Aviron Bayonnais came out on top against champions Toulouse (26-7). Led by an outstanding Camille Lopez, the Basques confirmed that they will be hard to beat at home, having never lost at Jean-Dauger last year.
RACING AND CASTRES WITHIN TOUCHING DISTANCE
The Racing came from behind to defeat Union Bordeaux-Bègles 23-18. Reduced to 14 men after just 4 minutes, the Racingmen were helped by a brace from Nolann Le Garrec. For their part, Castres Olympique won by the slimmest of margins against Pau (24-23). With Castres conceding 8 penalties, Pau's indiscipline cost them dearly in this match.
OYONNAX MAKES A SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO THE TOP 14, LYON AND MONTPELLIER WIN THE CLASHES
Back in the Top 14, 5 years after its last appearance, Oyonnax dominated Clermont at Charles Mathon stadium (36-17). Meanwhile The LOU, meanwhile, picked up an attacking bonus point against Toulon (27-15) to get their season off to a good start. To finish the first round, Montpellier beat last year's unfortunate finalists, La Rochelle, 26-15.
