Ryan Jones has urged Wales to be “bold, brave and clinical” in their make-or-break RBS 6 Nations clash against Scotland tomorrow.

SHOULD Munster enjoy a fruitful pre-Christmas Heineken Cup run against the Ospreys, bouquets will likely be handed to the Thomond Park ground staff for their success in getting the pitch ready for last Saturday’s Magners League clash with Cardiff Blues.

PERHAPS, like me, you have found this week’s Ryder Cup celebrations more than a little surreal? All those mud-splattered Brits, mainly, but not exclusively, Welsh, chanting “Europe, Europe” at Celtic Manor, while living in a nation which, with the possible exception of Greece, is the most Euro-phobic of any of the 27 member states of the EU?

RONAN O’GARA was yesterday left “completely overwhelmed” after being named as the best player in the 15-year history of the Heineken Cup.

He’s put his rugby days behind him, locked them down and thrown away the key, but before Munster and Leinster began their European rugby odyssey, one Cork man already had a Heineken Cup medal to boast of. Not that he would. Brian Roche spoke to Adrian Russell

THE BRIEF from the top at ERC was straightforward: “your mission, should you choose to accept, is to select the best European side of the last 15 years comprised of players who played in either the Heineken or Challenge Cup competitions”.

A PANEL of experts, including the Irish Examiner’s Donal Lenihan, have finalised their awards shortlists for a scheme that celebrates 15 years of European club rugby.

Ireland’s Tommy Bowe has been voted the Player of the Championship for the 2010 RBS 6 Nations, winning more than half of the votes.

TOMMY BOWE is the only Irishman on the shortlist for the RBS Player of the Six Nations Championship.

RYAN JONES readily admits Wales have been on an emotional rollercoaster during this season’s Six Nations Championship.

There are three Irish players - Brian O'Driscoll, Paul O'Connell, and Jamie Heaslip - shortlisted for the official RBS Player of the Six Nations Championship.

Wales 30 Scotland 15

Tom Shanklin is determined to break his scoring drought in Wales’ World Cup eliminator against Fiji – if only to stop his team-mate Shane Williams from hogging the limelight.

Wales 72 Japan 18

Wales 72 Japan 18

Fleet-footed winger Shane Williams heads into his 50th Test tomorrow with a golden opportunity to overtake the legendary Ieuan Evans in Wales’ all-time try-scoring list.

Shane Williams is gearing up for the performance of his life in Wales’ crunch World Cup clash with Australia this weekend.

TWO years ago James Hook watched Wales clinch the Grand Slam from a pub on St Mary’s Street after failing to get a ticket for the Millennium Stadium.

FORMER Welsh skipper Ieuan Evans believes Ireland can win the RBS Six Nations Grand Slam, but he is more inclined to back them for a title win than to record a perfect season.

DISCUSSIONS about sex, drugs and suicide will fill the halls of a Cork school this week but they are taking place inside the classroom rather than in quiet whispers.

WALES lock Ian Gough has dubbed New Zealand “honest cheaters” just four days before the two countries clash at the Millennium Stadium.

Mike Ruddock has left Welsh rugby in turmoil after announcing his shock resignation last night – just 11 months after he inspired the side to their first Grand Slam triumph in 27 years.

KEITH WOOD believes that Sale have no idea how important the Thomond Park x-factor can be when they face Munster in Saturday’s crucial Heineken Cup showdown.

Ieuan Evans believes Wales can overcome an injury crisis and retain their RBS 6 Nations title.

LIONS COACH Clive Woodward insists he is under no pressure to name Welsh players in his 44-man squad despite their Grand Slam success.

Lawrence Dallaglio has warned the Lions they must be ready to “take on a whole nation” when they head to New Zealand in the summer.

LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO fully supports Clive Woodward’s decision to break with tradition and name the biggest Lions touring party in history.

Lawrence Dallaglio fully supports Clive Woodward’s decision to break with tradition and name the biggest British & Irish Lions touring party in history.

FORMER Ireland skipper Keith Wood has backed former team-mate Anthony Foley to be included in the Lions squad to tour New Zealand.

Lions legend Ieuan Evans today called for an end to the hysteria surrounding Jonny Wilkinson’s fitness.

GAVIN Henson last night mirrored the mood of an expectant Welsh nation, by declaring: “It’s our best chance to beat England for a long time.”

Chris Roberts

Tom Shanklin today admitted that he is just happy to be part of the Wales set-up after his record-equalling performance against Romania at the Millennium Stadium.

Wales 44 Italy 10

England 31 Wales 21

FRANCE captain Fabien Pelous insists England are still the team to beat even though France are the only side still in RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam contention.

KEITH WOOD was as surprised as anyone but still insists that Eddie O'Sullivan's decision to give Paul O'Connell the captaincy for Ireland's Six Nations clash in Paris on Saturday is a risk worth taking.

Wales coach Steve Hansen believes high public expectation of his team is warranted as they prepare for Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Scotland.

ENGLAND will go into Sunday’s World Cup quarter-final against Wales at Suncorp Stadium with skipper Martin Johnson insisting: “We are taking nothing for granted.”

England boss Clive Woodward today insisted that his RBS 6 Nations Championship favourites have “no fear” about playing away from home.

England boss Clive Woodward is braced for a “physical and full-on game” when his RBS6 Nations Championship favourites tackle relative no-hopers, Wales at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow.

Wales great Ieuan Evans believes the current Wales team must shoulder their share of the blame for Graham Henry’s shock departure as coach.