WARREN GATLAND is hoping the clash between the Rest of Ireland and Munster at Thomond Park tomorrow week will be a no-holds-barred contest to boost chances of a big Irish representation on the Lions tour to Australia.

IT may not have ended with the predicted result, but the match in Paris was definitely the most exciting of the Six Nations tournament to date with lots of points, plenty of drama and a thrilling finish.

WALES’ Six Nations Championship clash against France in Paris tomorrow week looks likely to go ahead as planned.

Pepito Elhorga looks set for his France international debut when they take on Wales at the Stade de France on March 17.

It is a shame that the closest and hardest match to predict for this round of the Six Nations tournament has fallen victim to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

France coach Bernard Laporte has made six changes to the France line-up for the clash with Italy in Rome.

ENGLAND captain Martin Johnson has warned his team to expect a major Six Nations Championship challenge from Scotland in Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash.