Six Nations 2013  
Lions’ captain Rory Best looks dejected after his team’s defeat to the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium yesterday in Canberra, Australia. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions’ duo Rob Kearney and Rory Best rue the consequences of ignominious defeat to buoyant Brumbies

Players fail to enhance their reputation with Test places at stake

George North dives over for his second try during the match between Combined Country and the British & Irish Lions at Hunter Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions can look to North for first test

The Welsh wing has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available to face Australia

Simon Zebo during yesterday’s match against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Most Lions positions for first Test look nailed on but still places available

Zebo’s fine performance in his tour debut against the Waratahs ticked all the boxes

Ireland players dejected at the end of the game. Photograph: Inpho Ireland edged out by France in fifth place semi-final

Wales and England spring shocks to set up all-northern hemisphere final

British and Irish Lions’ captain Rory Best (centre) and replacement scrumhalf Conor Murray lead the team off the pitch after losing to the Brumbies. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire. Gatland concedes Lions not good enough

The New Zealander bemoans a lack of intensity in the first half and a poor performance at the breakdown

Rob Kearney of the Lions is tackled during the match against the ACT Brumbies and the British & Irish Lions at Canberra Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions derailed by Brumbies in Canberra

Lineout a mess as basics let the tourists down days ahead of the crucial first Test

Tommy Bowe trains at the North Sydney Oval with the help of a hand splint. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho Tommy Bowe ‘highly unlikely’ to be available for Lions’ first Test

But winger back running as Jamie Roberts also looks set to miss out

Clyde Rathbone of the Brumbies will be up against the Lions’ Shane Williams today. Photograph: Stefan Postles/Getty Images Second coming proving all the sweeter for Brumbies’ Clyde Rathbone

Former Wallaby looking forward to locking horns with the Lions

Devin Toner made a big step up in the international game with his performances on tour. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Joe Schmidt’s regeneration of Ireland begins to take shape

Players put their hands up on North American tour while the backroom team is coming together

Bran O’Driscoll offers a potent threat in the Lions’ backline. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions may tick all the boxes but be wary of underdogs Australia

History shows the Wallabies are always capable of rising to the biggest challenge

Celebrating after his famous hat-trick of tries helped to achieve a rare Ireland win in Paris, in March 2000. Will we have BOD on our side for much longer?

This afternoon could witness the home farewell of Ireland’s greatest ever player, writes Gerry Thornley

Luke Marhsall makes a break against Scotland at Murrayfield. Home debut can't come quick enough

When Luke Marshall’s dad walked into his kitchen the day after his son’s debut in Murrayfield, he looked at the table in disbelief...

Six Nations videos

 Video: Schmidt to take over as Ireland coach
Video: Schmidt on hopes for team
IRFU communications chief Karl Richardson on rugby prospects for Munster against Clermont (Heineken Cup semi-final, Montpelier) and Leinster against Biarritz ( Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final, RDS) this weekend.
Big weekend on rugby front

Opinion

Liam Toland Liam Toland - Rugby Analyst

Kidney should note how Lancaster uses his bench for maximum impact

Gerry Thornley Gerry Thornley - Rugby Correspondent

O'Gara synonymous with last-ditch feats of escapology

Matt Williams Matt Williams -

It's time to stop whinging and get behind Jamie and this team

Liam Toland Liam Toland - Rugby Analyst

Ireland will need all 23 to take down France's mobile monsters

Our writers on Twitter