Scotland head coach Frank Hadden heads into his third RBS Six Nations championship absolutely convinced his players can come through the campaign with flying colours.

SCOTT JOHNSON was surprised to learn he had been installed as favourite to replace Gareth Jenkins as Wales head coach.

GIRVAN DEMPSEY says Ireland’s uninspiring record in Paris won’t trouble the World Cup squad who face France in the Stade de France (September 21) and Argentina nine days later in the Parc des Princes.

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio is determined to prove he is worth a place in Brian Ashton’s World Cup squad.

IT WAS A result that will, in the words of Irish captain Simon Best, “have no relevance” on what transpires in their World Cup Pool D match, but try telling that to the majority inside the richly atmospheric but non-hostile (except if you’re a visiting place kicker) stadium, who wildly celebrated Felipe Contepomi’s 81st minute drop goal.

JASON ROBINSON believes there are “signs of something special” after England’s World Cup heroes reunited to launch the Brian Ashton era in trophy-winning fashion at Twickenham.

ANDY ROBINSON has had his last game as England coach, according to the BBC.

FORGET about the rugby, this was pure theatre. When Andy Goode slotted a penalty to put England three points ahead with five minutes remaining at Twickenham, Ireland’s Triple Crown aspirations looked dead and buried.

Jerry Flannery has stoked up the fires beneath Saturday’s crucial RBS Six Nations showdown at Twickenham by warning England they should fear the Irish pack.

France have opted to keep faith with the majority of the squad that did so well during the second half of 2005 as they go in search of glory at the RBS 6 Nations.

Gavin Henson has been banned for 10 weeks and two days by RFU Disciplinary Panel after being found guilty of striking a player.

JEREMY STAUNTON has a chance to salvage something from a troubled season following his late call-up for the Irish tour to Japan.

IRELAND and Munster second row forward Paul O’Connell will be available for the Heineken Cup quarter-final joust with Biarritz — despite being suspended for two weeks.

Ireland will face Italy in the 2006 Six Nations opener at Lansdowne Road next February.