A sparkling performance by former Wallaby Matt Giteau on his return after an absence of over two months has inspired French rugby champions Toulon to a 32-23 victory over Racing-Metro.

The match took place in a highly-charged atmosphere in the wake of the Islamist killing spree this week in Paris which resulted in 17 deaths – the players and spectators joined in both a minute’s silence and applause followed by a rousing rendition of the French national anthem ‘La Marseillaise’ on Saturday.

Giteau, who has been sidelined since October with a groin injury, scored a try and set one up for fullback Leigh Halfpenny in a terrific comeback from the Toulon inside centre.

Toulon manager Bernard Laporte said he was delighted with how his players had reacted to the defeat by Montpellier last weekend.

“This was a terrific match and I very much liked the reaction of the players to the defeat last week,” said the 50-year-old.

“On the other hand our target set at half-time of getting the bonus point was not realised.”

The 32-year-old Giteau’s combination with five-eighth Juan Martin Hernandez was impressive with the pair starting together for the first time.

Toulon’s win ended a run of two defeats to keep them in third place, three points behind Stade Francais, who beat Castres 44-13 on Friday.

Clermont stayed top by running in six tries in a 44-20 bonus-point romp against Brive.