Beaten Racing-Metro still win play-off race

Racing-Metro slumped to a shock 25-22 defeat to Agen on Saturday, but the big-spending Paris outfit still managed to hang on to the sixth and last qualifying spot for the French Top 14 post-season. Racing claimed a losing bonus point on the last day of the regular season which gave them a play-off place for the third year in succession. However, they will now have to beat Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon, who finished third and 19 points ahead, in the first round on May 26 if they are to extend their season. Racing's guarantee of a last-six place was also helped by closest rivals Stade Francais slipping to a 16-5 defeat at Biarritz. Racing out-scored Agen three tries to one with Mathieu Loree grabbing a brace and Argentine winger Juan Imhoff also crossing, but they were defeated by a last-minute penalty from Mathieu Lamoulie. "We have a lot of respect for Toulon," said Racing boss Pierre Berbizier. "They are a team who all season have been very effective and very strong at home. It will be a difficult challenge. Today we would not be able to take them on, but we have two weeks to prepare."