Dave Kearney’s two-try debut haul put the gloss on a trademark Joe Schmidt victory, the perfect way for the new coach to launch Ireland’s autumn international series.

Injury-hit Samoa will be without five frontline stars for Saturday’s opening autumn international clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Glasgow 27 Northampton 20

Northampton 6 Ulster 25

Wales 19 Samoa 26

Danny Cipriani was Sale’s hero as the Premiership strugglers overturned a 15-point deficit to gain a dramatic, morale-boosting 34-33 triumph over Cardiff on their return to the Heineken Cup.

Northampton 24 Glasgow 15

Having spent precious little time at Munster in his first spell with the province six years ago, signing for them this summer barely represents a spiritual homecoming for James Downey.

Northampton director of rugby Jim Mallinder has reiterated his desire to be England manager – but revealed he has had no contact with the Rugby Football Union.

NORTHAMPTON crashed to a second consecutive Heineken Cup defeat and to the brink of elimination.

Northampton 23 Scarlets 28

Australia have made a disastrous start to their World Cup preparations after suffering a shock 32-23 loss to underdogs Samoa at ANZ Stadium.

They’re providing the backbone to England’s rejuvenation but Northampton Saints have hit a glass ceiling, as Julian Bennetts explains

Samoa have included nine European-based players in their starting line-up for Saturday’s clash with Ireland.

A group of 16 players have committed their immediate futures to New Zealand rugby.