Former All Blacks centre Ma'a Nonu enjoyed a superb start to his stint at Toulon as the European champions thrashed Agen 53-23 on Saturday to claim first place in the Top 14.

The inclusion of two-time World Cup winner Nonu added further star quality to a Toulon side already packed with overseas talent, particularly among the backs.

And Agen were ultimately outclassed at the Stade Mayol, where six of the hosts' eight tries came in the second half of a high-scoring encounter.

Australia international Drew Mitchell crossed twice for Toulon, while there were also touchdowns for Romain Taofifenua, Juan Martin Fernandez Lobbe, Steffon Armitage, Delon Armitage and replacement Bryan Habana prior to a late penalty try.

Toulouse moved level on points with Toulon courtesy of a routine 27-3 victory over rock-bottom Oyonnax.

Talalelei Gray claimed tries in either half and Luke McAlister's subsequent five-pointer proved enough to secure a bonus point as Oyonnax failed to respond.

Stade Francais failed to build on their first away league win of the season last time out, going down 24-21 to Bordeaux-Begles on home soil in a thrilling contest.

Bordeaux looked a beaten side when Jules Plisson slotted over a penalty with five minutes remaining, following a yellow card for Sekope Kepu, to put Stade four points up.

However, the visitors' 14 men then conjured up a late try for Heini Adams, converted by Simon Hickey, to snatch victory.

Back-row Alex Tulou grabbed a hat-trick of tries against former club Montpellier as Castres claimed a bonus-point in a 34-19 win at Stade Pierre Antoine.

La Rochelle leapfrogged opponents Grenoble with a 33-16 home win in Saturday's other fixture.