This was published 9 years ago
James O'Connor steers Toulon to big Top 14 win
PARIS: Former Wallaby James O'Connor scored 25 points to steer Toulon to a commanding victory over Montpellier in French rugby's Top 14.
O'Connor, who has signed a two-year deal with the Queensland Reds from 2015, scored two tries and kicked three penalty goals and three conversions as Toulon trimmed Clermont's lead in the competition with a bonus-point 40-17 win.
Former Wallaby winger James O'Connor dives to score a try for Toulon.Credit: AFP
Toulon scored five tries to two with another former Wallaby Matt Giteau among the tryscorers for the French heavyweights who led 17-14 at hafltime before going on the rampage in the second half.
Thanks to their bonus point, Toulon have 24 points and are three behind Clermont.
"Overall I'm proud of the spirit my players have shown since the beginning of the season," said Toulon coach Bernard Laporte.
"The scoreline wasn't very flattering for us at the break, but we lacked efficiency. The try (Lucas Dupont) just before the break hurt us but we can't hold it against our rivals for being good.
"After that we created a lot of chances because we've worked hard on how to bounce back in training."
Clermont had a hard-fought 19-8 win over Oyonnax, getting home on the boot of Australian Brock James who slotted three penalties and a conversion.
AFP