So where do we stand after the autumn interntionals, asks Donal Lenihan?

Despite all the upheaval, history has shown the Aussies are a resilient bunch.

Every November series carries a game fraught with danger or opportunity, depending on your state of mind.

Saturday’s stunning win over the Springboks was all the more pleasurable given that few saw it coming in the wake of a very difficult period on the injury front, writes Donal Lenihan.

The visitors hold all the aces in terms of recent form, preparation, settled combinations and the confidence that stems from beating New Zealand last time out.

A genuine treat awaits. Notwithstanding the fact New Zealand will be giving Dublin a skip this month, some of rugby’s standout performers are coming to town in November, writes Donal Lenihan.

The Champions Cup is well and truly up and running.

Vintage rugby was in short supply in Europe this weekend with teams more intent on delivering a result rather than a performance.

Thomond Park hasn’t exactly rocked of late, a point not lost on Edinburgh or Ospreys who seized their moment to bag rare wins in their respective Guinness Pro12 outings in Limerick last month.

WHEN reviewing the performances of the three Irish provinces on the opening weekend of Europe’s new Champions Cup, one word springs to mind for Donal Lenihan: character.