BEWARE Toulouse and the French way of playing, warns Newport's former All Black scrum half Ofisa Tonu'u (pictured).

He was on the winning side for the first time in five attempts against Newcastle, and hopes for the same outcome at the second attempt against Toulouse at Rodney Parade on Saturday night.

His previous experiences were all for London Irish, but he is guarded about what lies in store for Newport, even though the French champions lost 40-10 against Leinster last week.

It was not until the closing stages that the Irish province got on top and Tonu'u warns: "Leinster was not a fair indication of what Toulouse can do and we shouldn't underestimate them.

"Playing against French teams is like chasing shadows. They're very expressive the way they play, one minute they're there, the next minute they're gone.

"They only need half a gap and they're through, so we've got to tighten our defence." Having said that, Newport have conceded just three tries in as many games, all away, while scoring seven themselves.

But Tonu'u again stresses the need for vigilance against Toulouse. "They won't lie down and die and I don't think you should ever underestimate Toulouse.