Racing rally to sink Toulon, Stade edge Oyonnax SPORT

Racing 92 staged a stirring second-half comeback to down Toulon 40-29 in a clash of Top 14 big-spenders, while Stade Francais held on to beat rock bottom Oyonnax on Sunday.

South African JP Pietersen touched down twice for Toulon as the hosts led by 10 points with 25 minutes to play at Stade Majol, but Racing roared back with tries from Marc Andreu, Yannick Nyanga and Louis Dupichot.

Toulon, without a host of players on international duty, suffered a first home defeat of the season and were denied the consolation of a losing bonus point by Dupichot's last-minute try.

"It's always a huge challenge to come play at Mayol. These are always special matches. Therefore to come and win here, and do it with 40 points, that will stay with me," said Racing coach Laurent Labit.

"We had to show our true colours, play and enjoy it and that's what happened. Psychologically, I think this win is going to be important for the rest of our season."

A converted Brice Dulin score and Pat Lambie penalty gave Racing the first 10 points of the match, but Toulon responded as All Black Malakai Fekitoa crossed the whitewash before Pietersen followed him minutes later.

But Racing fly-half Lambie, who kicked four penalties and four conversions, kept the visitors within touch despite further Toulon tries from former England wing Chris Ashton and Pietersen.

Racing trailed 26-16 before launching a furious recovery by outscoring their opponents 24-3 in the final quarter to climb two spots to fourth, with Toulon sliding down three places to eighth.

"To give up 40 points at home is not a pleasant feeling. We work hard all week but at the moment it's not paying off," said Toulon coach Fabien Galthie.

- Ensor stars for Stade -

Earlier, New Zealander Tony Ensor scored two tries and created two more as Stade Francais edged Oyonnax 39-35.

Former Highlanders full-back Ensor produced a stunning performance in a thrilling encounter that featured 10 tries.

Having looked set at one point to claim an attacking bonus point, Stade were left clinging on desperately at the end as Patrick Sobela's late try earned Oyonnax a losing bonus.

"We needed the four points. Our counter-attacking was very good, we're satisfied with the way we used the ball," said Stade's New Zealander manager Greg Cooper.

"But unfortunately both teams can be very disappointed with their defence."