Tackling one of the most expensively compiled sides in France without a third of your first choice team in the intimidating surrounds of the Stade de France in this afternoon’s opening game of the new Heineken Cup campaign may well seem a bridge too far for a Munster team in transition.

THEIRS is a name synonymous with French rugby. Formed as a sporting club of many different disciplines for the Parisian elite in 1882, Racing Club de France, alongside Stade Francais, dominated the early years of the French Championship before disappearing — like Stade — for the bones of a century until the emergence of the bow-tie wearing and champagne guzzling side of Franck Mesnel, Eric Blanc and Jean-Baptiste Lafond in the late ’80s.

WHEN you’ve been there and done as much in rugby as Simon Mannix, you would wonder whether there was anything left to make the New Zealander raise even an eyebrow.

Munster have underlined the determination of incoming head coach Rob Penney to change the province’s style of play by appointing his fellow Kiwi, Simon Mannix, as their new backs coach.

Former France international Sebastien Chabal has confirmed he will move to Australia to play Super Rugby in the coming weeks.

It may be cold enough here in Paris to leave eskimos pining for the frozen tundra of their homelands but the hot air currently being generated by French rugby folk more than compensates for the polar conditions.

Former France international number eight Sebastien Chabal has revealed a breakdown in relations with coach Pierre Berbizier has led to his departure from Top 14 side Racing Metro.

RACING METRO’S Sebastien Chabal was yesterday banned for 60 days for criticising Top 14 referees, ending his season.

Racing-Metro’s Sebastien Chabal has today been banned for 60 days for criticising Top 14 referees, ending his season.

Italian Rugby Federation president Giancarlo Dondi has announced Jacques Brunel will soon be confirmed as the new coach of the national team.

Nick Mallett’s tenure as Italy coach will come to an end after this year’s World Cup, the Italian Rugby Federation has announced.

LEINSTER’S ambition of a home Heineken Cup quarter-final spot has been facilitated by another weakened Racing Metro selection for tonight’s final Pool 2 clash at Stade Yves Du Manoir in Paris.

TOULON have been backed to end Munster’s Heineken Cup dream in France on Sunday, by one of their fiercest Top 14 rivals.

JONNY WILKINSON lost a battle of the drop kicks as Toulon were beaten in Paris last night but Munster were put on warning ahead of their Heineken Cup showdown in the south of France next Sunday.

Leinster 38 Racing Metro 22

TODAY’S Heineken Cup opener against Racing Metro at the RDS (1.30pm) has proved to be a bridge too far for injured Leinster skipper Leo Cullen, but Jonathan Sexton is back to make his first start of the season.

Lionel Nallet talks to Ian Moriarty about Racing Metro’s ambitions in their first Heineken Cup.

Raphael Ibanez runs the rule over the tournament newcomers –- Aironi Rugby, Racing Metro 92 and Toulon.

Front row pair BJ Botha and Tendai Mtawarira are among five player that have been dropped from the South Africa squad to face New Zealand in their Tri Nations encounter in Johannesburg on Saturday.

England star Jonny Wilkinson is one of a number of high-profile targets of Racing Metro, the French club have confirmed.

Italy prop Andrea Lo Cicero will not be fooled into thinking the Azzurri will face a weak England side in Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations game in Rome.

Three home wins is the least beleaguered Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan requires from the Six Nations.

WARREN GATLAND delivered a blunt warning yesterday that any player who pursues a club career outside Wales will be putting his international future at grave risk.

Nick Mallett has been confirmed as the new head coach of Italy.

Italy captain Marco Bortolami is an injury doubt for Saturday’s crucial World Cup Pool C match against Scotland in St Etienne.

Scotland insist they are reading nothing into Italy’s abject performances in the World Cup so far ahead of Sunday’s qualification decider between the two teams in St Etienne.

Italy 31 Portugal 5

Italy 16 Portugal 5

Italy will be looking to put down a marker ahead of their probable winner-takes-all Pool C match against Scotland when they meet Portugal at the Parc des Princes tomorrow.

Alessandro Troncon will earn his 100th Test cap when he lines up for Italy against Portugal in the World Cup Pool C match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

ITALY got their Rugby World Cup campaign back on track last night with a laboured victory over Pool C rivals Romania in Marseille.

Italy 24 Romania 18

NEW ZEALAND are determined to learn the lessons of the past and insist they are happy to be considered favourites for the World Cup.

Eddie O’Sullivan believes Ireland’s flawed 23-20 victory against Italy has provided his side with a crucial “wake-up call” ahead of the World Cup.

Ireland scrum-half Peter Stringer was passed fit for tonight’s clash with Italy after recovering from a back spasm.

IRISH coach Eddie O’Sullivan will have a far better idea of the well-being of his side after a near full-strength team has played Italy at Ravenhill tonight in the final warm-up for next month’s Rugby World Cup.

ITALY manager Pierre Berbizier has made seven changes for tomorrow’s World Cup warm-up match against Ireland.

Italy 36 Japan 12

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier is in confident mood as preparations begin in earnest for the World Cup.

FRANCE are determined to learn from their mistakes of four years ago as they head into their series of warm-up matches ahead of the World Cup.

Fly-half Andrea Scanavacca was the most notable absentee from a 40-man squad named by Italy coach Pierre Berbizier today for the forthcoming Rugby World Cup.

Leicester captain Martin Corry has been named the Rugby World player of the year.

Pierre Berbizier will not extend his current contract as coach of Italy, according to the Italian Rugby Federation (FIR).

Italy captain Marco Bortolami believes the national rugby team players must keep their feet firmly on the ground but can now look to the future with optimism.