Bayonne stay fourth in the table on 28 points from their nine games, with a 7-2 win-loss record, three points behind Toulouse and Stade Francais at the top, and three ahead of fifth-placed ASM Clermont Auvergne.

Next up for les Bayonnais is a trip to Bourgoin on 14 November as the Top 14, like the Guinness Premiership, takes a week off during the opeining autumn test weekend.

At the other end of the table, Stade Montois's miserable campaign continued as they conceded five tries in a 31-7 home defeat to third-placed Perpignan. Former Sale and Queensland prop Ben Coutts scored their only try of the match early in the second half, converted by Benat Arrayet.

Mont de Marsan, now six points adrift at the foot of the ladder will also be on the road in round 10 as they visit the team just above them, Castres.

In Italy, Montepaschi Viadana came within a whisker of taking top spot as they came up just short at Rovigo. Ahead 23-21 with just four minutes left to play, Viadana conceded what turned out to be the match winning penalty for the home side to sneak it 24-23.

Former London Irish no.8 Phil Murphy and wing Samuele Pace scored Viadana's two tries, while Garry Law converted both and kicked three penalties.

Had Viadana managed to hold on, they would have sat in first place as leaders Benetton Treviso were turned over 27-9 at home by a fine performance from Overmach Cariparma and stayed on 21 points in the table after Round 6, while Viadana's losing bonus point put them on 20.

The top five are seperated by just five points as the league takes a four week break, with round 7 being played on 29 November when fifth-placed Calvisano visit the Zaffanella.

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