France

Italy’s presence should not be guaranteed if they cannot be competitive

Head coach confirms Johnny Sexton will be fit for training next week ahead of Italy Test

Difficult to look past French flair and power not to mention a raucous home Parisian crowd

Strong showing by starting team against Wales suggests an unchanged Irish XV

Les Bleus and Dupont will come on for Italy win but Paris visitors pose a serious danger

Antoine Dupont to captain Les Bleus in their Six Nations opener in Paris

The French midfielder’s absence could afford an opportunity for Donny van de Beek

Could Brazil add to their five World Cups next winter or can France retain their title?

New Zealand coaches scale back training by ‘10 to 15 per cent’ after toll of effort against Ireland

Undefeated in a record 37 games, Azzurri host Spain in Nations League semi-finals

Penalty call against Lawes harsh but butchered try-scoring chances lost it

Inspirational skipper Alex Kendellen gets over for his second try at the death

Richie Murphy makes seven changes as both sides bid to secure second place in the table

Top League now pumping players out as standard rises each year, says Robbie Deans

The world champions have never lost to the Swiss in a competitive game

A below-par display against Hungary brought familiar criticism of his lack of consistency

Didier Deschamps' side comfortably through already while Portugal need a result

Manager Löw hoping experienced veteran can help guide Germans to last 16

Roared on by over 60,000 fans the hosts took the lead before Griezmann equalised

If the French cannot play a good game against Germany, can they excel against anyone?

World champions are the team to beat although Germany in Munich a tough start

Team guide: Luckless Hungary face Portugal and Germany in group of death