It was the France of Platini, Giresse, and Tigana that mesmerised us first. Between 1982 and 1986, that generation of French footballers bewitched and bewildered those of us already hopelessly in love with the game of football. The only time most of us were caught on the fence was when they faced Brazil.

Connacht 16 Bayonne 13

AT LONG last a game thatwarmed the heart of every Irishsupporter who braved the sub-zero temperatures of Croke Park. Ireland won a classic contest playing a varied brand of rugby that finally unleashed the true talent in the side. Given the sequence of fixtures that awaits in this tournament, the team now has the bit between its teeth and real momentum for what promises to be a really exciting championship.