You’ll know him as a full-back, but Luke McLean started life in Italian blue as a ten. The temptation is to ask, who hasn’t?

France coach Philippe Saint-Andre is relishing Saturday’s trial by fire at the Aviva as he aims to keep a special record intact.

Ireland laboured for an hour before two tries in three minutes launched their RBS 6 Nations title defence with a 26-3 victory that was more sluggish than routine in Italy.

1 Authority at half-back.

Ireland start the defence of their RBS 6 Nations crown by facing Italy in Rome tomorrow.

Brian O’Driscoll is to set a new all-time Test appearances record of 140 caps in his penultimate international bow today, easing past former Australia scrum-half George Gregan’s tally.

Three potential areas for Ireland to exploit

Marco Bortolami insists Italy are not keeping their powder dry for the visit of England to Rome next week and the Azzurri have come to Dublin determined to “destroy” Brian O’Driscoll’s party as the Leinster centre plays for his country on home soil for the last time.

Italy are out to rain on Brian O’Driscoll’s great leaving parade in Dublin on Saturday, according to captain Marco Bortolami.

Brian O’Driscoll’s “emotional” final international appearance in Dublin will not hinder Ireland’s RBS 6 Nations title quest, according to Jamie Heaslip.

Veteran lock Marco Bortolami will captain Italy in tomorrow’s RBS Six Nations game against Ireland.

Like the captain he plays beside in Ireland’s second row, Devin Toner may be happy with the way the Irish lineout has improved since the systems meltdown in Rome last March but the locks will be taking nothing for granted as they seek revenge against the Italians on Saturday.

Scotland forward Johnnie Beattie has rejected the flak aimed at head coach Scott Johnson – insisting the sole responsibility for the Dark Blues’ dismal start to the RBS 6 Nations rests with the players.

France 30 Italy 10

Treviso 23 Connacht 3

Benetton Treviso 23 Connacht 3

Having being omitted from Warren Gatland’s Lions squad, Perpignan fly-half James Hook could line out against the British and Irish outfit, having been named in the provisional Barbarians squad.

Wales full-back Leigh Halfpenny has won this season’s RBS 6 Nations player of the championship award.

Italy 22 Ireland 15

England 18 Italy 11

Scotland 34 Italy 10

Ospreys 38 Benetton Treviso 17

Munster 19 Treviso 6

Benetton Treviso head coach Franco Smith sprang a selection surprise last night when he made eight changes to a winning side ahead of their RaboDirect Pro12 game against Munster at Thomond Park tonight (8pm).

The relief was palpable, the victory fully deserved and, for James Coughlan, it is time to move on to the next battle.

Newport Gwent Dragons 32 Benetton Treviso 33

Italy 13 Scotland 6

Italy coach Jacques Brunel has named four uncapped players in his 30-man squad for the for the first two games of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.

Ospreys 44 Treviso 17

GAVIN HENSON was denied a happy return to the Liberty Stadium as the Ospreys continued their home dominance over city rivals Cardiff Blues with a 17-12 victory in a scrappy RaboDirect PRO12 encounter.

Benetton Treviso ran out comfortable winners over struggling Aironi Rugby today.

LEINSTER’S much-vaunted strength in depth served them well earlier this season but it will be put to the test again in their RaboDirect Pro12 clash at the Stadio Comunale do Monigo against Benetton Treviso this afternoon.

Treviso 50 Newport Gwent Dragons 24

THOUGH much is being made about Italy’s scrum in the build-up to Sunday’s winner takes all Pool C finale against Ireland, there is another big weapon in the Italian armoury according to Shane Jennings.

ITALY captain Sergio Parisse saw his side run in nine tries in yesterday’s win against Russia in Nelson — but has warned them that they must improve defensively.

The captain of Ireland group rivals Italy, Sergio Parisse, saw his side run in nine tries in their 53-17 win against Russia in Nelson today, but has warned them that they must improve defensively.

Italy 53 Russia 17

Italy coach Nick Mallett believes his side have been handed the toughest opening assignment of any team at the World Cup as they prepare to face Tri Nations champions Australia in Pool C on Sunday.

Italy 16 Wales 24

Italy coach Nick Mallett has made three changes to his side to face Wales in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations match at the Stadio Flaminio.

ITALY coach Nick Mallett has handed Benetton Treviso’s Kristopher Burton the number 10 shirt for tomorrow’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland at Rome’s Flaminio Stadium.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed Benetton Treviso’s Kristopher Burton the number 10 shirt for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland at Rome’s Flaminio Stadium.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has named a 24-man squad for the first two games of the RBS 6 Nations.

CONNACHT have made two changes to their starting XV for their first Magners League foray to Italy where they face Benetton Treviso this evening (6.05pm, Irish time).