Edinburgh given Investec Champions Cup wake-up call in France

Edinburgh were brought back down to earth in the Investec Champions Cup as they fell to a 33-0 defeat at Castres.

The visitors claimed a stunning win over Toulon on their return to the competition last week but they were well beaten in France this time.

Christian Ambadiang’s 12th-minute try was the only score of the first half, but the lead extended to 12-0 – six minutes into the second period – when Loris Zarantonello crossed and Pierre Popelin converted.

Tyler Ardron was the third Castres player to score a try as they stretched their advantage even further and Edinburgh’s cause was not helped when Piers O’Conor was shown a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.

Castres took full advantage, Adam Vargas securing the bonus point with the hosts’ fourth try when he crossed in the corner.

And the scoring was complete in the 63rd minute when Popelin sent over his fourth conversion following Vilimoni Botitu’s try.