IRFU head of medical services Rod McLoughlin has warned that concussion is not just a rugby problem.

Juan Martin Hernandez has warned Argentina to be on guard to face “one of the best players in rugby history” in Matt Giteau.

Jonny Wilkinson may not have known what he was unleashing when he mused aloud near the end of last year that Matt Giteau was such an “exceptional” player, that he didn’t quite know how Australian rugby could have ever let one of the most gifted playmakers in Wallaby annals disappear to work his wonders in Europe.

Ronan O’Gara analyses all the big issues at the Rugby World Cup.

Australia have won the Rugby Championship and ended a long barren run against New Zealand, firing a World Cup warning shot to England and Wales in the process.

Toulon made rugby union history at Twickenham as they clinched a hat-trick of European titles by defeating fellow French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne 24-18 in the Champions Cup final.

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell would be “an invaluable addition” to Toulon, according to Australia wing Drew Mitchell.

In one brief but ground-breaking announcement from the Australian Rugby Union, George Smith, Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell were offered the hope of reviving their Wallabies careers in time for this year’s World Cup.

Toulon 23 Saracens 6

Toulon 23 Saracens 6

Toulon 24 Munster 16

Just as Brian O’Driscoll wanted to leave the international stage with a Six Nations medal around his neck, so Jonny Wilkinson has his eyes firmly focussed on a gilt-edged finale to a glittering rugby career.

Toulon 29 Leinster 14

TOULON 29 LEINSTER 14

Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal wants his team to beat Leinster at the Stade Félix Mayol this weekend to confirm their arrival as giants of European rugby.

ASM Clermont Auvergne 15 Toulon 16

Jonny Wilkinson hit the post with a penalty attempt with the final kick of the game as Top 14 leaders Toulon were held to a 26-26 draw at home by Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final opponents, Clermont Auvergne.

Toulon 62 Sale 0

Criticism of his tactics, selections, birthplace or any other facet of his behaviour has been wool off a sheep’s back to Australia’s New Zealand-born coach Robbie Deans.

AT last, the waiting is over. The Rugby World Cup squads have been announced and the players can get down to the business of fine-tuning their games for the challenges ahead.

MATT GITEAU’S chances of playing in a third Rugby World Cup have suffered a major blow after he was left out of Australia’s squad for Saturday’s Tri Nations opener against South Africa in Sydney.

Matt Giteau's chances of playing in a third Rugby World Cup have suffered a major blow after the veteran playmaker was left out of Australia's squad for Saturday's Tri Nations opener against South Africa.

SAMOA produced one of their most memorable victories in international rugby yesterday, dealing a damaging World Cup blow to Ireland’s key group rivals only two months out from the tournament.

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

Barbarians 26 South Africa 20

Former Australia great Mark Ella has warned the current side not too excited about their World Cup prospects despite a record win over France at the weekend.

IF ever Martin Johnson was going to dash down the touchline, punching the air in celebration like Jose Mourinho it was at Twickenham on Saturday.

England 35 Australia 18

WALES fly-half Stephen Jones readily accepts that Australian playmaker Quade Cooper is “different to anything else out there”.

Australia 26 New Zealand 24

Australia 22 New Zealand 23

South Africa 39 Australia 41

South Africa 44 Australia 31

Australia’s Dean Mumm has heaped praise on fellow lock Victor Matfield, a player who is set to earn his 100th Test cap for South Africa on Saturday.

NEW ZEALAND centre Conrad Smith believes New Zealand are putting the foundations in place for their latest tilt at ending their recent World Cup hoodoo.

New Zealand 20 Australia 10

ROBBIE DEANS has faced pressure before, but the vultures are circling after Saturday’s disaster in Melbourne.

Australia 28 New Zealand 49

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has backed the new-look midfield combination of Berrick Barnes and Matt Giteau to thrive ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash against New Zealand in Melbourne.

Australia’s forgotten man Berrick Barnes has been recalled to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup game against New Zealand in Melbourne.

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.