Leo Cullen will take the win mindful of the many shortcomings hidden in the scoreline

Pete Wilkins’ men left empty-handed without a bonus point

From Sheamie sharing the family secrets to Sophie's heartwarming dash across Dublin to be a VIP guest, here are the stand-out moments from the Toy Show

Taylor’s bid to regulate the noise this week has been much discussed.

The anticipation levels have rarely been higher for a meeting of these two since the blue half of the rivalry assumed prominence.

Bill Sweeney, CEO of the RFU, revealed that the idea of merging the URC and English Premiership teams into one strand was one of a number being discussed.

“With this team it was important that whatever was required to enable them to be at their best for this tournament, no stone was going to be left unturned,” IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts said. 

Amanda Cassidy chats to designer Julie Peelo about a typical Saturday in her household, quiet luxury and her favourite eateries in Malahide 

2XM's Dreamland goes to Galway; Rónán Mac Aodha Bhuí remembered on R na G; and religious programming on Christmas Day

All your week's sport, all the comfort-watching classics, and the new animated Star Trek

Ruth O'Connor's guide to inspiring ideas and beautiful things

"I have to say I was properly impressed by the quality and have since sent in an order for several items to stock in our little Farm Shop, in Shanagarry."

In no particular order and just as random as The Menu’s appetites, is the following list of fine Irish food-related gift suggestions

Elsewhere, Ulster have also named their team to take on Glasgow Warriors on Saturday.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will be in midfield when Liverpool have the ball and at right back when they don’t. Might it be better the other way round? 

Novak Djokovic told rowdy British fans to “shut up” after leading Serbia to a 2-0 victory in the Davis Cup quarter-finals in Malaga.

There seems to be more anger than delight at the success of the elite band of trainers sitting at the top of the Irish training ranks

Chelsea were aiming to kickstart their Champions League campaign on home soil after a frustrating opener. They secured a 2-2 draw in Madrid but Emma Hayes said they had been “robbed of what should have been a 3-1 game” after two contentious refereeing decisions.

The Bulls are putting a proud record on the line on Saturday as they have never lost in a dozen URC games to a side from Europe since they joined the competition over two years ago.

Ben, Sale’s captain for their home Gallagher Premiership clash with Bath on Friday night, has won five caps but each of them have come when Tom has been on British and Irish Lions duty or injured.