DAVID BARNES

FRENCH COLUMN
Chris Ashton took a giant leap towards an all-time record yesterday with his second hat-trick of tries of the season.
He took his total to 17 tries in a 43-5 win for Toulon over a hapless Stade Francais.
Clear in his sights now is the mark of 21 set nine years ago by Fijian winger Napolioni Nalaga in the colours of Clermont.
And, given his penchant for scoring in clusters, Ashton looks almost certain to obliterate the record if his fitness holds out.
Ashton had previously scored three against Agen and two each against Pau, Brive and Lyon. His ...