The scrum-half, who is expected to continue in the number nine jersey for France in their RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland, was outstanding from the kicking tee and in game management as he led Clermont to a 37-10 success.

Aurélien Rougerie, Jamie Cudmore, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Napolioni Nalaga scored the four tries for the visitors, with Damien Chouly, part of France’s squad for their opening two RBS 6 Nations fixtures, also outstanding.

In the biggest game of the weekend Frédéric Michalak’s Toulon got the better of a Toulouse team missing four of their internationals 35-16.

Steffon Armitage and Rudi Wulf scored the home team’s tries, with Jonny Wilkinson also chipping in with 25 points.

Meanwhile Castres’ returning international Christophe Samson got the better of his teammate for France, François Trinh-Duc, in a 26-20 win.

Tries from Brice Mach and Marc Andreu boosted Castres’ hopes of a home Top 14 play-off game as they hit back after early Montpellier scores from Yohan Artru and Agustin Creevy.

Recalled second row Sébastien Vahaamahina celebrated his return to the national team with a win, his club side Perpignan downing bottom team Mont de Marsan 31-17 to maintain their charge for a play-off place.

Elsewhere Racing Metro comfortably saw off Grenoble 23-3 and Bordeaux-Bègles won a huge relegation battle 48-17 over Agen.