Toulouse made sure of their French Top 14 rugby play-off spot on Friday with a battling 28-23 win over fellow title hopefuls Racing Metro.

Despite the defeat, Racing remain in sixth spot and well-placed to also grab a place in the six-team season finale after picking up a crucial losing bonus point thanks to Andrew Mehrtens.

The former All Blacks' five-eighth, who ended the game with 18 points, kicked a penalty with three minutes left to cut the deficit and leave his team with an eight-point lead over seventh-placed Biarritz in the standings.

Toulouse scored three tries through Clement Poitrenaud, Yoann Maestri and Jean Bouilhou with David Skrela kicking three penalties and two conversions.

South African lock forward Jacques Cronje scored Racing's sole try on the hour mark.

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