All Blacks superstar Dan Carter lived up to his top billing by marshalling Perpignan to a 26-20 victory over Leicester in the European Cup.

Carter scored 16 points, kicking four out of six penalties and also converting a brace of tries by impressive South African flanker Gerrie Britz as the home side rebuffed a valiant comeback from the English giants.

Leicester scored two tries through Tom Croft and winger Scott Hamilton, Toby Flood hitting two penalties and two conversions.

Carter was signed by the Catalan club on a lucrative six-month contract reportedly worth 34,600 euros ($A68,720) a game.

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