Morné Steyn scored 13 points as Stade Français thrashed newly promoted Perpignan 46-15 in the opening round of the French Top 14 on Saturday.

The visitors secured victory despite losing No 8 Sergio Parisse to a red card on the 36-minute mark for leading with the elbow in contact.

While Perpignan were able to fight back from 29-3 down at half-time to make it 29-15, coach Heyneke Meyer’s men regained control to take maximum points from their first fixture.

Stade Français scored six tries, including one from former Bulls scrumhalf Piet van Zyl, with Steyn kicking five conversions and a penalty.

Saturday results:

Perpignan 15 Stade Français 46
Bordeaux-Bègles 41 Pau 19
Clermont Auvergne 67 Agen 23
La Rochelle 28 Grenoble 21
Lyon 16 Toulouse 16
Toulon 9 Racing 25

Photo: Alexandre Dimou/Getty Images