They didn't just beat one of the richest clubs in Europe – they gave them a rugby lesson.

Toulon may well have been poor, they may well have rested all their big names. But this was the complete performance from Saints as they ran in
seven tries to start the European journey with five points.

Saints' front row were magnificent. Toulon's scrum was noticeably weak against Perpignan and the wily Scots of Euan Murray and Tom Smith dismantled it piece by piece in a devastating first half.

And with plenty of ball the backs, directed by the explosive Ben Foden and the composed Stephen Myler, tore Toulon to pieces.

Tana Umaga's job was on the line before this match and the way his side were booed off the park suggests chairman Mourad Boudjellal will be swinging the axe soon.

Led by the tireless Scott Gray, Saints created havoc at every breakdown and won endless turnovers.

And yet it was Toulon who took the lead with a second-minute from Sébastien Fauque, but that was the last time the home fans were heard as Saints took over.

From their first attack off a lineout Courtney Lawes, who was so impressive for a 19-year-old, almost got over.

A blatant offside ended the attack but from the scrum a superb pass to James Downey set Saints free and Sean Lamont went over.

Myler landed the touchline conversion to make it 7-3 to the visitors.

Myler added a penalty and three minutes later Dylan Hartley won a turnover on halfway and Ben Foden scythed through to present Joe Ansbro with an easy try.

Myler converted for a 17-3 lead before adding a 48m penalty.

Myler hit another three points before a brilliant lineout move inside their own half move saw Ashton gallop clear and the support was there for Paul Diggin to score having just come on as a blood replacement.

Umaga no doubt gave his team what for at half-time and they came out firing, but Saints held out and a Gray turnover got them up field.
Saints got the fourth try and a bonus point as Bruce Reihana ran back a poor kick and a beautiful grubber saw Ashton outrun fellow code-switcher Luke Rooney to touch down.

Foden then scored a superb individual try. As his scrum went backwards, he broke over halfway and chipped the full-back to touch down under the posts.

Myler took the easy conversion to make it 42-3 to Saints and they could now have the luxury of taking off the more senior players.

Toulon tried to run from their own 22, but dropped it to Ashton, who put in Ansbro to steam over for his second try.

And they reached the 50-point mark when a brilliant move with superb hands from forwards and backs saw Lamont pop the ball up for replacement Lee Dickson to go over for a try that Barry Everitt converted.