Former Argentina skipper Agustin Pichot returned to Stade Francais on Friday but couldn't prevent his side from slipping to a shock 22-16 defeat at Montauban in the French Top 14.

The veteran 34-year-old scrum-half, who led the Pumas to third place at the 2007 World Cup, had left Stade in 2007 after four years to play for ambitious city rivals Racing Club Metro.

But he returned to Stade last month to help inspire a title push. He came on as a substitute on the hour mark for Noel Oelschig with his team trailing 12-3 on Friday.

However, Montauban ran away to secure a win that keeps them in mid-table and left the capital city side still without a victory at their hosts since 2000.

Stade had the minor consolation of going back to the top after picking up a bonus point although Toulouse can reclaim pole position when they meet Castres on Saturday.

Two first half penalties from Petre Mitu gave Montauban a 6-0 lead at the interval with Stade's hopes not helped by losing backrow forward Juan-Manuel Leguizamon with a head injury after just seven minutes.

Johan Dalla Riva scored Montauban's only try seven minutes from time with Lionel Beauxis crossing in the last minute for Stade to make sure of the losing bonus point.

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