Savea scores as Toulon start campaign with Agen trouncing
- 1709
Former New Zealand winger Julian Savea scored as Toulon crushed Agen 44-25 on Saturday in the opening round of the French Top 14 campaign.
Savea, 29, who failed to score until three months into last season, was joined by former Georgia forward Mamuka Gorgodze and former France youth international Julien Heriteau on the scoreboard, who both claimed doubles.
The 54-time All Black's future at Stade Felix Mayol had been in doubt last year after owner Mourad Boudjellal froze him out following a series of underwhelming displays.
He is likely to see more game time this season playing, unusually at centre, as former France midfielder Mathieu Bastareaud has left the club and Australian Duncan Paia'aua ruled out for several weeks with an Achilles injury although England's Ben Te'o as arrived as Rugby World Cup cover.
Elsewhere, France winger Noa Nakaitaci scored twice as Lyon hammered Stade France 43-9.
