With France, it’s always about the known unknowns.

Hungry for the win.

In a shock development, Peter O’Mahony was yesterday released from the Irish camp preparing for Saturday’s clash with Australia and will now lead Munster against Treviso in the Guinness PRO12 at Thomond Park on the same day.

Australia’s back-row strength sets up an epic battle, writes Brendan O’Brien.

HAVING spent 12 days living and training at the Sydney Academy of Sport, it is hard not to be impressed by the Australian attitude to sport.

Scotland skipper Greig Laidlaw risked re-living the Dark Blues’ painful World Cup exit by watching a re-run of the controversial defeat to Australia — but instead came away with a new sense of hope.

A compilation of some the latest gossip and news from inside RWC2015.

Ireland suffered a 23-run defeat to world champions Australia in a rain-affected one-day international at Belfast.

Like his team-mates, Seán Cavanagh would have dearly loved another crack at Australia. For that reason, among others, he believes the two-test format must return.

I am not really a gambling man but when I see a gap in the betting markets, I sometimes make an investment.

Wales 28 Australia 33

Following the abysmal showing of Australia’s international rules side last October and the subsequent promise that it wouldn’t happen again this year, it appears the Aussies have kept their word by naming an exceptionally strong squad.

Australia look certain to attract their best players for November’s International Rules series following a number of favourable rules tweaks.

There is a rugby match on in Donnybrook this evening, believe it or not – a final at that.

New Zealand's assistant coach Ian Foster says he and the squad are determined to finish their season on a high.

Leinster coach Matt O’Connor has come to the defence of what he termed an “undercooked” Brian O’Driscoll and Irish team in the wake of disappointing individual and collective displays against the Wallabies last week.

Ireland wing Tommy Bowe is back on course to face Australia, having returned to training with the Irish squad ahead of Saturday’s Aviva Stadium showdown.

Paul O'Connell, Sean O'Brien and Jonathan Sexton are all expected to start the November international against Australia on Saturday.

Ireland 40 Samoa 9

INTERNATIONAL RULES SERIES, SECOND TEST:

Zach Tuohy’s tweet on Sunday night perfectly captured the attitude of the Carlton football player.

Rugby legend Brian O’Driscoll has revealed he secretly hid his gumshield in his suit pocket when his shock axing from the Lions’ sidelined him to the stands — just in case he was needed as an eleventh hour replacement.

Australia centurion Shane Watson admitted he was boosted before a ball of the fifth Ashes Test had been bowled by the news that England had snubbed Chris Tremlett in favour of Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes.

David Warner is not sure whether Australia will bat on or declare today as they attempt to engineer a victory against England at Old Trafford.

Ireland U-20 captain Luke McGrath believes they can crown their first ever meeting with Australia at this level with a victory in the opening game of the Junior World Championships.

Mike Ruddock has given his blessing to the decision to call Robbie Henshaw and Stuart Olding into the senior tour to North America next month rather than make the pair available to his U20 side at the upcoming Junior World Cup.

Donnacha Ryan is free of grudges and baggage and ready to tackle Wales again

Australia 21 Wales 18

WORLD Cup finalists France have jumped into the top three of the IRB world rankings following their semi-final victory over Wales.

IRELAND’s rising Aussie Rules star Zach Tuohy is determined to play for his country against the Aussies in the forthcoming International Rules series.

THERE was a nasty undertone to Ireland’s victory over the Wallabies last Saturday, if reports in the Antipodean media are to be believed.

JAMIE HEASLIP believes Ireland are in good shape heading into their Pool C showdown with Australia on Saturday.

WORK must be fun for Sean McDermott these days.

IRELAND are refusing to buy into the theory that tomorrow’s Test opponents South Africa are out of form and in the depths of despair.

IRELAND’S Tadhg Kennelly has already started some good-natured mind games ahead of the International Rules opener on Saturday.

I WILL not make the short journey down the road to Limerick on Saturday for the International Rules clash and bash between Ireland and Australia.

IN-FORM Australia fly-half Quade Cooper has been suspended for two weeks after being cited for a dangerous tackle during Australia’s Tri Nations Test 30-13 win against South Africa.

Australia 22 Ireland 15

Denmark 0 Australia 1

MARK CUETO admitted England are under immense pressure to beat Argentina in today’s showdown at Twickenham and save their autumn international series from near disaster.

I have learned through harsh experience that every Australian side will fight to the death.

AUSTRALIA have quickly turned their attentions to their forthcoming tour of Britain and Ireland after coming up short against New Zealand for the fourth time this year.