Stormers smash Sale, Toulouse edge Sharks

Ramos kicked 10 points and set up a try in humid conditions in South Africa in the six-time champions' penultimate game in Pool 1.

Despite Toulouse's hard-fought win over Siya Kolisi's side, Bordeaux-Begles top the standings after hammering 2020 champions Exeter 69-17 in England.

Both French teams are odds-on to claim home games in the next round on April 4-6.

At Kings Park, Toulouse led 13-3 at the break in a game billed as a re-run of 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.

Toulouse's Antoine Dupont was France captain two years ago with the Sharks' No 8 Kolisi skippering eventual world champions South Africa.

France lock Emmanuel Meafou powered over after a Dupont pop pass, and eight points from Ramos' boot gave the visitors the lead at half-time.

Three minutes after the interval Ramos showed his class in setting up Scotland winger Blair Kinghorn with a smooth out-the-back-door pass.

Ramos added the touchline conversion before centre Jurenzo Julius claimed a 67th-minute consolation for the Sharks.

In Exeter, France winger Louis Bielle-Biarrey continued his good form this season, crossing twice in a statement win for Bordeaux-Begles.

The visitors claimed another nine tries, including a hat-trick from Damian Penaud, giving France head coach Fabien Galthie a boost before naming his Six Nations squad on Wednesday.

Earlier, the Stormers eased past Sale 40-0 in Pool 4 to claim their first points in the competition this season.

South Africa fly-half Manie Libbok scored 13 points for the hosts in Cape Town to keep their hopes of a last-16 place alive after losing their opening two games.

Later, Stade Francais host 2000 champions Northampton and two-time winners Munster welcome Saracens.

Sunday's highlight is a repeat of the 2022 and 2023 finals as Leinster head to two-time winners La Rochelle.

On Friday, Glasgow became the first side to reach the next round with a comfortable 29-19 victory over a struggling Racing 92, three-time runners-up.