Italy 0 France 29

RBS Six Nations

A week ago it was the return to France of Vern Cotter that was taxing French minds ahead of their Six Nations opener against Scotland. 

France 15 Scotland 8: They put a brave face on it but it was evident from the shrugs and pouts that a hard-fought tryless 15-8 victory over a feisty Scotland in Paris was not quite enough for the French. 

AUTUMN INTERNATIONAL:

No Rory Kockott calling the shots at ten. No Remi Lamerat bursting through the centre. And no Ibrahim Diarra causing mayhem from the back row.

Ospreys 21 Castres 12

Ronan O’Gara has poured cold water on the prospect of Munster, Ireland and Lions scrum-half Conor Murray joining him at Racing Metro.

Leinster head coach Matt O’Connor felt his side should have made more of their opportunities during the first half of their 19-7 Heineken Cup victory over Castres Olympique.

Leinster 19 Castres 7

Castres 8 Ulster 9

Castres 8 Ulster 9

Glasgow 6 Castres 9

NORTHAMPTON coach Jim Mallinder has questioned the consistency of refereeing in the Heineken Cup after his side suffered a crushing defeat at sunny Stade Pierre Antoine.

Sharks 3 British and Irish Lions 39