Vannes plan delivers the win.

Despite conceding 70% of territory and possession to Montpellier, Stade Toulousain outscored their opponents by three tries to two for a deserved fourth consecutive Top 14 victory.

The Irish province's slowness of thought cost them in the Champions Cup final last Saturday. Irish media suggesting that the solution is a bigger pack of forwards is wide of the mark, and demonstrates a misunderstanding of the problem.

Toulouse rugby masterclass contrasts with Montpellier's 'giant octopus' approach. Toulouse let the ball breathe whilst Montpellier suffocate Stade Francais. One game had me jumping out of my chair, whilst the other almost put me sleep.

Chiefs gave it a real good go, but down to fourteen from the 16th minute, Toulouse somehow held on. Montpellier's win at Bath was a signal of French intent to continue their recent domination of this competition.

La Rochelle and Bordeaux win away from home to move into top four. Montpellier lose in Paris to slip out of top six. Vannes still suffering. Teams selected for European action next weekend will indicate which competition is deemed more important. Few can compete seriously in both.

I wasn't expecting it quite so quickly, but as flagged twice in this column in recent weeks, the Mignoni-Azema love-in at Toulon was never going to last. Pierre Mignoni has resigned this morning.

Fabien Galthie appeared on 'Canal Rugby Club' to say that he often felt he was picking from a squad of 'survivors', in a week which saw him lose Jalibert and Meafou for the November Nations Championship closing rounds. Ugo Mola knows how he feels.

Racing's woes resume, Marta scores another peach and Ntamack has his say.

Six away wins in three Top 14 weekends so far, suggests we should expect two more this weekend. Or does it?