It's a sense of shame - Bayonne chief dismayed by Toulon humiliation

Toulon ran in 12 tries in their Top 14 demolition of Bayonne, whose sporting director Nicolas Morlaes was left feeling embarrassed following their 82-14 annihilation.

The three-time European champions crossed the whitewash seven times in the first half and on five more occasions after the interval – Bryan Habana, Juan Smith, Axel Muller and Liam Gill all recording braces.

That left Morlaes feeling humiliated and questioning his players’ commitment as bottom-club Bayonne slipped 18 points adrift of safety.

“I don’t even want to talk about rugby,” he said. “It’s a sense of shame that we have.

“Professional rugby players have rights but also responsibilities. The minimum required commitment wasn’t there.”

Leaders La Rochelle extended their advantage over second-placed Clermont Auvergne to eight points with a 38-15 defeat of Racing 92, Elliot Roudil scoring twice following earlier tries from Victor Vito and Jone Qovu.

Meanwhile, Lyon scored 18 unanswered points in the final 20 minutes to come back from 33-17 down and edge out Stade Francais 35-33 in a match that saw Taiasina Tuifua and Pascal Pape sent off for punching.

Elsewhere, Bordeaux-Begles were comfortable 46-14 winners over Grenoble and Gaetan Germain kicked all of Brive’s points in their 21-19 success at home to Toulouse, for whom Toby Flood was red carded.