Some big guns make their move before the break for European action.

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.

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.

Toulon in particular, and Castres, won't be happy. Bayonne possibly back to the form of two seasons ago? If Toulon continue in this vein, the cracks will surely appear between the Mignoni-Azema duo. This is French rugby we're talking about after all.

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.

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

Thirty thousand Bretons make some noise. What an atmosphere.

Another big weekend looms, especially for Vannes and Racing.