Munster’s double-header with Perpignan in December looks like being the key to qualification from the pool stages of the 2013/14 Heineken Cup following the release of the official fixture list yesterday.

New Zealand 30 France 0

Israel Dagg’s World Cup is in jeopardy after the New Zealand and Crusaders star outside back had surgery on his injured thigh.

IMPRESSIVE as the New Zealand starting 15 for today’s Test against Ireland undoubtedly is, the true barometer of the All Blacks’ current strength will lie on the Aviva Stadium benches as well as on armchairs dotted around the North and South Islands.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans has backed the new-look midfield combination of Berrick Barnes and Matt Giteau to thrive ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster clash against New Zealand in Melbourne.

New Zealand have made two changes ahead of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup clash against Australia in Melbourne, with Jimmy Cowan and Joe Rokocoko both promoted to the starting line-up.

SOUTH AFRICA lock Victor Matfield was yesterday despairing at the way Irish referees Alan Lewis and Alain Rolland have policed the breakdown, following his side’s second successive Tri Nations defeat to New Zealand in Wellington on Saturday.

South Africa wing Jean de Villiers has been banned for two weeks following a dangerous tackle in the team’s 31-17 defeat by New Zealand.

New Zealand 31 South Africa 17

SOUTH AFRICA out-half Morne Steyn insists there will be no knee-jerk reaction to last week’s Tri Nations destruction at the hands of the All Blacks when the sides meet again in Wellington tomorrow (8.35am).

John Afoa, Corey Flynn, Liam Messam and Ma'a Nonu have been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the Tri-Nations series with Australia and South Africa.

NEW ZEALAND are almost certain to be without three of their first-choice players for the one-off Test against Ireland next week, assistant coach Wayne Smith has said.