Frederic Michalak's nervy return for Toulouse ended up with him being booed and replaced as a kicker by Gaffie Du Toit whose final flourish with the boot earned a 19-18 win for the league leaders against Toulon.

Michalak, fresh from helping steer the Sharks past the Blue Bulls in South Africa's Currie Cup final, lasted the full 80 minutes in front of a sell-out crowd but lack of form and confidence hampered his efforts.

The 26-year-old France international flyhalf, who has 50 appearances for his country, last played for Toulouse in June last year.

The out-of-form Michalak said on being whistled by the crowd: "I think that's normal because I missed five or six kicks.

"I knew it would be a difficult match for me and I'm going to have to work more because I lacked my composure, with Byron Kelleher and with everybody."

Michalak kicked Toulouse's first penalty in the seventh minute however had a harder time later in the half as he had problems finding his mark with his kicks. He failed to convert Florian Fritz's 13th minute try and then missed a 35th minute penalty.

Michalak missed further kicks in the 47th and 48th minutes, both from 35 metres, from the right and then the left side.

He decided not to try and convert Toulouse's second try scored with force by Kelleher but resumed kicking duties in the 68th minute and drew anger from Toulouse supporters when it hit the wrong side of the post to squander points.

It was Du Toit, who came on for fullback Clement Poitrenaud, who from then on did the work with the boot for Toulouse, scoring two final penalties to earn the close victory.

"More was expected of me but the main thing is that Toulouse won, not with my kicks but from the boot of Gaffie Du Toit," Michalak added.

Montpellier, fresh from inflicting a 26-13 victory on early season league leaders Stade Francais on Friday night, deplored having got four injured players for their efforts.

Argentine fly-half Federico Todeschini has a left bicep problem with initial tests fearing a ruptured ligament which could put him out of action for three months. He will have further tests during the week for a more thorough diagnosis.

Montpellier coach Didier Nourault has real problems in the number 10 position as France international Francois Trinh-Duc has a torn thigh muscle from their November 31-26 victory at Castres two weeks ago.

And South African prop Danie Thiart has injured right knee ligaments, centre Sylvain Mirande has a fractured hand, and back row Johan Wasserman will be out for about 10 days with a broken nose.

In Saturday's late match, Perpignan earned an offensive bonus point in a 27-12 victory over Biarritz to join Toulouse at the top of the Top 14 table.

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