The reigning Olympic and European champion impressed throughout the duration of the competition by topping the standings in the dressage competition.

On his horse La Biosthetique Sam, Jung then produced strong displays in both the cross-country and jumping disciplines to finish with only 40.1 points.

The performance saw the German finish top of the overall standings at the season opening event for the second consecutive year.

His team-mate Sandra Auffarth, the world champion, was the only rider to finish within the time limit on a tough cross-country course.

It helped her to end the event on 45.9 penalties and despite Jorg Kurbel receiving a tally of 75.2, the German team emerged as the overall winners.

Their team total of 161.2 saw them finish clear of second placed France, who ended their home competition with 167.1.

The hosts' challenge had been led by Nicolas Touzaint, as the 35-year-old received 51.6 penalties across the three disciplines.

Ireland, winners of the final leg of the 2015 season, narrowly claimed third by scoring 197.3 to Australia’s 204.6.

Britain endured a difficult start to their defence of the Nations Cup title, after they were only able to finish sixth of the nine teams on a total of 286.8.

The next Nations Cup Eventing competition will take place at Ballindenisk in Ireland from April 22 to 24.

The nine leg series will also see competitions held in Britain, Belgium, Poland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States.