The Scots had to recover from a dreadful start after conceding a soft try in the fourth minute.

Winger Mike Roberts conceded a line-out 15 metres from the line and Bourgoin quickly recycled the ball to Anthony Forest, who scored under the posts, giving Benjamin Boyet an easy conversion.

Roberts powered over the line despite the attentions of three markers to bring Glasgow back into the game in the seventh minute and Colin Gregor’s kick from a wide angle levelled the scores.

Boyet’s penalty restored the French side’s lead, but Roberts’ second try, again converted by Gregor, but the hosts ahead for the first time.

Another Boyet penalty reduced the arrears before Pascal Pape crossed for Bourgoin’s second try, with Boyet adding the extras.

A 50-metre penalty from Gregor closed the gap to three points and Glasgow were ahead on the stroke of half time when Andy Craig marked his comeback from injury after an impressive surge from Roberts.

Andy Henderson was yellow-carded for his part in a scuffle and Bourgoin made the extra man count. Boyet slotted the kick for a one-point lead before Wessel Jooste crossed from their first attack of the second half.

Substitute Alexandre Peclier converted, before Forest coasted home for another Bourgoin try five minutes later.

Dan Turner touched down to earn Glasgow a bonus point and cut the deficit once more and Gregor was once again spot on with the conversion.

Canadian prop Kevin Tkachuk then forced his way over the line, again converted by Gregor, before Rory Lamont finished off a sizzling handling sequence for Glasgow’s sixth try.

And less than a minute later Graeme Morrison made it seven tries when he outpaced the Bourgoin defence to send the home fans wild – Gregor’s successful kick bringing up the half century.

The win ended their run of 13 consecutive defeats in the competition.