Owen Farrell scored five points on his return to action as his Racing 92 side gained some much-needed positivity in their campaign by booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Racing are languishing down in 11th in the Top 14 and under serious threat of relegation from the French topflight but Farrell‘s return from groin surgery could prove timely for their survival bid, and the former England captain opened the scoring with a penalty three minutes in.
Tommaso Allan overturned the deficit with back-to-back penalties for the hosts, who were then downgraded to 14 men when Apisai Naqalevu was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.
Demba Bamba utilised his side’s numerical advantage by touching down for a try which Farrell improved but Perpignan led at half time due to Allan’s crossover.
Jordan Joseph scored for the visitors before Farrell was hooked in favour of Nolann le Garrec.
Tavite Veredamu touched down for Perpignan, with Allan able to knock over the extras and put the hosts in front.
Antoine Gilbert, who took over the kicking duties from Farrell, missed a routine penalty but even-tually Racing overturned their deficit.
Wame Naituvi crossed for an impressive try that le Garrec improved which sent Farrell and Co marching into the last eight.
TEAMS
PERPIGNAN: Allan, Veredamu, Naqalevu, de la Fuente (c) (Buliruarua 57), Duguivalu, McIntyre (Delpy 63), Hall (Aprasidze 48); Devaux (Beria 53), Lam (Montgaillard 53), Ceccarelli (Fakatika 53), Labouteley (Warian 49), Tanguy, Sobela (Bachelier 66), Hicks, Velarte
RACING 92: Tedder (James 66), Taofifenua (Palu 46), Chavancy (Naituvi 57), Habosi, Fickou, Farrell (le Garrec 46), Gibert; Kolingar (Mazibuko 57), Tarrit (Escobar 34), Bamba (Laclayat 57), Kpoku, Taofifenua, Baudonne, Zinzen (c) (Manyarara 57), Joseph
REFEREE: Gianluca Gnecchi (Ita)
ATTENDANCE: 9,816
Star player
Owen Farrell -Racing 92
The best betting sites
