The China Mail - Ramos guides unbeaten Toulouse to Montpellier win

Ramos, 29, playing at fly-half instead of his usual full-back, crossed for a first half try as well as kicking two conversions and two penalties to keep the champions top of the table.

Scrum-half Leo Coly was hosts Montpellier's only try scorer as they lost for a second time in three games this campaign, continuing their poor form from last season when they only escaped relegation thanks to a play-off.

Ex-Scotland captain Stuart Hogg started the game for the home side a week on from missing the win over Perpignan after being released on bail having been arrested for breaking separate bail conditions.

Hogg, 32, had been due to stand trial in Scotland on September 10 accused of engaging in a course of conduct that caused his ex-wife Gillian Hogg "fear and alarm" over a seven-year period between 2017 and 2024.

For Toulouse, Japan scrum-half Naoto Saito made his first full appearance for the club.

French rugby's poster boy Antoine Dupont is only expected back from winning rugby sevens gold at the Olympics in October for the record 23-time champions.

Toulouse led 10-6 after 32 minutes as Ramos, wearing the number 10 shirt instead of Romain Ntamack, benefitted from an overthrown lineout to score his second try of the campaign.

Montpellier reacted with two Domingo Miotti penalties and a touchdown from Coly to claim an 11-10 advantage at the break, eyeing a first home win of the season.

The home side's hopes of victory were dashed with half an our left as Ramos added a penalty and then a conversion after Italy winger Ange Capuozzo crossed.

Both teams finished with 14 players after Ramos and Hogg were shown late yellow cards for an off the ball altercation.

Later, Vannes eye a first Top 14 victory as they welcome Lyon and La Rochelle host Pau for the first time since two of their players were accused of aggravated rape.

La Rochelle back-rower Oscar Jegou and Pau lock Hugo Auradou returned to France earlier this month having been arrested during a tour in Argentina in July.

Saturday's highlight is a rerun of last season's play-off as Bordeaux-Begles welcome Racing 92.

On Sunday, Toulon head to Paris to face Stade Francais five days after the visitors' full-back Melvyn Jaminet returned to individual training.

Jaminet was banned until next year after making racist marks on social media while on tour with Les Bleus hours before Jegou and Auradou were arrested in South America.

W.Tam--ThChM