IT was not the type of preparation any of the Irish sides would have wished for last weekend before resuming their respective European journeys, with all four provinces losing in the Magners League.

Dan Carter will liaise with New Zealand’s medical staff to ascertain whether he requires surgery on the Achilles tendon injury that has ended not only his season but also his time in France with Perpignan.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made six changes to his starting line-up for the second Test against France in Wellington on Saturday.

ENGLAND forward Perry Freshwater was on the scoresheet as Perpignan comfortably overcame French rivals Castres in Heineken Cup Pool One last night.

Perpignan 30 Castres 3

Cardiff Blues and Jonah Lomu are facing Heineken Cup misery after Perpignan clinched a priceless victory at the Arms Park.

Edinburgh 13 Gwent Dragons 17

Newcastle Falcons recorded a magnificent 19-14 win over French visitors Perpignan thanks to a dominant first-half forward display.

France secured a 30-22 under-21 victory over Wales by outscoring their hosts by four tries to three at Ebbw Vale.