Brian O’Driscoll has failed to make the Leinster squad for Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with ASM Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin (kick-off 3pm).

THE contrasting fortunes of Tony McGahan and Joe Schmidt heading into the crucial back-to-back rounds of the Heineken Cup could not be highlighted more forcibly than by the selection dilemmas facing both men this week.

Maybe the GAA can learn a thing or two from rugby –- like kicking off its premier competition with a bang. While the summer Championships often sleepwalk into summer, the Heineken Cup starts this weekend with heavyweight collisions. Alan Good looks ahead.

FRENCH Top 14 title chasers Clermont have agreed a one-year deal with Chiefs loose forward Sione Lauaki.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named seven new players in his 35-man squad for the autumn tour to Hong Kong and Europe.

The South African team hailed the influence of John Smit after their historic 30-28 victory against New Zealand today.

New Zealand 28 South Africa 30

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made two changes to his starting line-up for the second match of the Tri-Nations against world champions South Africa on Saturday.

New Zealand 44 England 12

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made four changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s second Test against England in Christchurch.

Graham Henry insists his team is not obsessed with winning the World Cup but concedes the New Zealand public may be.

ALL BLACK hopeful Kieran Read has failed to make Graham Henry’s 26-man squad for the Test series against Ireland and England and the Philips Tri Nations.

NEW MUNSTER signing Dougie Howlett put his troubles behind him as he married partner Monique Everard in Auckland at the weekend.

New Zealand have appealed against Sione Lauaki’s two-week ban.

New Zealand number eight Sione Lauaki has been cited for an alleged dangerous tackle during yesterday’s Pool C victory over Romania in Toulouse.

New Zealand 85 Romania 8

THERE were a few surprises in the All Black side announced to face Italy in their opening game of the Rugby World Cup in Marseille on Saturday.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry will keep faith with the bulk of his Tri-Nations winning-squad when the World Cup favourites pursue glory in France this autumn.

Uncapped duo Brendon Leonard and John Schwalger have been called up to the New Zealand squad for the Tests against France, Canada and the upcoming Tri-Nations tournament.

SOUTH African-born lock Greg Rawlinson has been called into the New Zealand squad ahead of their Tests against Ireland and Argentina.

South African-born lock Greg Rawlinson has been called into the New Zealand squad ahead of their Tests against Ireland and Argentina.

Scotland 10 New Zealand 29

A DECISION on whether or not Ma’a Nonu will be punished for a spear-tackle on Gordon D’Arcy will be made this afternoon.

ONE can only speculate what went through Eddie O’Sullivan’s mind when New Zealand’s Graham Henry announced his side to play Ireland last Tuesday.

Versatility and a focus on improving the depth of talent have been the key elements in the New Zealand squad named by Graham Henry for their tour of Britain and Ireland next month.

ALL BLACKS flanker Jerry Collins will miss the Tri-Nations rugby decider against Australia after receiving a two-week ban yesterday for punching in the crucial 31-27 Test win over South Africa.

Warren Gatland is facing an early headache after returning to New Zealand.

The Lions suffered a late blow as they targeted a consolation prize at Eden Park in today’s final Test against New Zealand.

Eddie O’Sullivan tonight admitted there could be a logic behind future British and Irish Lions trips becoming Test-only tours – if that is the only criteria for success.

CLIVE WOODWARD believes he has a chance to rescue some pride for the British & Irish Lions when they bid to avoid the dreaded 'Blackwash' by New Zealand in tomorrow morning's third and final Test at Eden Park (8.10am).

Luke McAlister is undaunted by the challenge of stepping into New Zealand hero Dan Carter’s boots for the final Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes for the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Saturday even though the series is already wrapped up.

Leon MacDonald will fill the considerable boots of Dan Carter in the New Zealand team to take on the British and Irish Lions in the third and final Test at Eden Park on Saturday.

Carl Hayman has been ruled out of Saturday’s second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Leon MacDonald has been recalled by the All Blacks for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions on Saturday.

Poor form has cost Joe Rokocoko his place in the All Blacks squad to face the British and Irish Lions.

A SLIGHTLY experimental All Blacks will face Fiji in their first test of the year tomorrow as coach Graham Henry fine-tunes the side ahead of the three-test Lions series.