‘Why should a side coming to Ireland get the first applause by doing a dance’

Sporting fraternity across country in shock at untimely death of head coach in Paris

Last year’s Pro12 winners will open their campaign against French giants Toulouse

Ball control is key factor for Pat Lam’s side in Champions Cup opener with Toulouse

Should France thrive in Six Nations ex-coach’s tenure will be cast in even harsher light

With France and England away, third title in succession looks a tall order

Province are already reaping the benefits of placing Australian atop of coaching

From Roey Kockott’s kick to a legend felled – it was year never to be forgotten

Rugby World Cup final: All Blacks might just have enough in tank to defeat Australia

Outstanding All Blacks’ flanker has for 14 years been bending the game to his will

All Black and France flankers have enjoyed compelling rivalry for almost a decade

Philippe Saint-André’s side don’t look like an outfit that can upset world champions

Reports suggested a ‘discreet rebellion’ had taken place against Philippe Saint-André

All Blacks coach expecting the French to have both flair and physicality

O’Mahony suffered knee ligament damage against France, Paul O’Connell also expected to be ruled out

Sexton and O’Connell departures fail to halt unstoppable Irish momentum

“We don’t have that many injuries compared to Ireland. They have two, maybe three very serious injuries”

Freddy Michalak has become a leader and the French pack looks increasingly formidable

Joe Schmidt’s side have been letting the blinds rise and are ready to play a big hand

Modern side a more practical version of the teams that lit up previous World Cups