Jonathan Sexton might have thought he had put to bed all the doubts and debate about his selection when he walked off the Lansdowne turf two nights ago, but it was only in the hours afterwards that the Irish out-half finally managed to make his case airtight.

Munster have built a reputation on delivering big performances when they’re least expected, and to survive the type of examination they were to get yesterday at the Stade Marcel Michelin, nothing less than a season’s best would suffice, writes Donal Lenihan.

Defeat at home to Clermont last weekend has prompted Anthony Foley to make four changes to his staring side, but his opposite number has also made four changes.

Anthony Foley needs his beaten up Munster squad to stand up and be counted this week as he prepares them for the biggest challenge of his short tenure as head coach. 

Clermont Auvergne head coach Franck Azéma will ensure his side take nothing for granted when they host to Munster next Sunday.

Munster head coach Anthony Foley has asked for clarity from referees over dangerous play after seeing Peter O’Mahony taken out off the ball by Clermont lock Jamie Cudmore.

After the high of the autumn international series and the feel good factor attaching to the confirmation during the week that Ireland will bid to host a World Cup in 2023, it was inevitable that Irish rugby would be dealt a dose of reality some time soon, writes Donal Lenihan.

Clermont Auvergne produced a powerhouse performance at Thomond Park to beat Munster 16-9 and take over at the top of the European Rugby Champions Cup’s Pool One.

Clermont Auvergne have been knocked off the summit of the Top 14 ahead of their two Champions Cup clashes with Munster after they went down 27-19 away to champions Toulon on Saturday night.

Wingers Chris Ashton and David Strettle propelled Saracens to a 30-23 bonus point victory over Clermont in their Champions Cup grudge match at Allianz Park.

Four Irish players have been included on the longlist for the ERC European Player of the Year award for 2014.

When Marcel Michelin created a rugby club for his hometown in 1911, he could never have imagined it would become what it is today – the team everyone wants to avoid.

Clermont Auvergne 28 Racing Metro 3