CLERMONT AUVERGNE saw their faint Heineken Cup hopes extinguished despite a comprehensive bonus point victory against Montauban in the all-French Pool One clash at Stade Marcel Michelin last night.

Former Leinster openside Niall Ronan will make his Heineken Cup debut for Munster in the number seven jersey on the road at Clermont-Auvergne on Sunday.

CLERMONT-AUVERGNE sent a clear message to Munster yesterday — they still intend to be in the mix in Pool Six with a potentially crucial away victory over French rivals Montauban.

PHILIPPE Saint Andre has urged Sale Sharks not to undermine the “massive achievement” of beating French giants Clermont Auvergne, by losing their Heineken Cup showdown against holders Munster.

France have gone with experience after making six changes to their squad for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations Championship title decider against Wales in Cardiff.

AHEAD of Ireland’s visit to France next Saturday French winger Julien Malzieu says he was “disappointed” with Ireland’s uninspiring win over Italy.

Uncapped Francois Trinh-Duc will play at fly-half in a much-changed France side for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations match against Scotland at Murrayfield.

France have made three changes to the team that lost to England last weekend for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Scotland in Paris.

ITALY flanker Mauro Bergamasco will miss Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland after receiving a four-week ban for punching Wales captain Stephen Jones.

Sebastien Chabal and Dimitri Yachvili have been dropped from France’s squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship clash with Scotland on Saturday.

French Barbarians 14 Argentina 28

NEW Zealand head coach Graham Henry believes the 47-3 mauling of France shows his side are in perfect shape for next year’s World Cup.

Montferrand 38 Bath 22