Resurgence of Munster and Leinster last year was a bonus and should continue this year

Clermont Auvergne’s wait for European glory continues as Mark McCall’s side triumph

Leo Cullen’s side flirt with famous comeback but Camille Lopez drops French into final

Champions Cup semi-final with Clermont promises to be hot and high-scoring

A Munster win in Dublin seems more logical than a Leinster win over Clermont in Lyon

Champions Cup payback as second-half tries see off winners of 2013 and 2015 finals

French league leaders will greet visitor’s pack with ruthless welcome party

Sevens star will start on the wing when France take on Italy in Six Nations

France enter a new era with Guy Noves at the helm promising to address the dull brand of rugby being played

Seasons are rarely defined by one event, but all those small moments will add up

Leinster defeat adds to unease as hamstrings may sideline Mike Ross and Marty Moore

Clermont turn down easy late penalty against Bordeaux and miss out by a point

New coach Guy Noves promises era of attacking rugby

All Black nine regarded as best in position and has chance to show why against Genia

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

France team have staged a ‘discreet’ rebellion against coach ahead of New Zealand game

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

Rob Kearney and Conor Murray tries set up a maiden World Cup win over Les Bleus

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

Ireland have more than matched their French rivals since the 2012 Six Nations

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

Joe Schmidt will be encouraged by French vulnerability in cracking encounter

Louis Picamoles rested as boss Philippe Saint-André makes four changes

Former rugby league player made a number of big hits against France

The referee has played a significant role in some of the province’s big European games

Injuries come on the back of a wave of criticism from media, ex-players and coaches

Saint-André recalls Parra and drops Bastareaud while Papé appeals ban

Remi Lamerat is one of five changes to team who lost to Ireland last weekend

Ireland outhalf is timed out attempting early penalty against Clermont Auvergne

Midfield excellence in defending against French power runners proved key

‘That was the story of the day, we didn’t back up the pressure we put them under . . . we didn’t execute out there’

Les Bleus may be underachieving but they do have a gameplan to stymie at the Aviva

Gutsy Scotland stop Les Bleus from crossing the line but are left to rue lack of possession

Grant’s Warriors team-mate Ryan Wilson must faces disciplinary hearing next week

Clermont in control of Pool One after completing double at Stade Michelin

Clermont drew enough blood in Thomond to finish job at home

O’ Connell v Bonnaire; Keatley v Lopez; Stander v Lee

New era in Europe may see Irish provinces lose out to super rich French and English sides

Both sides guilty of making too many errors in uninspiring clash at the Docklands stadium

Hosts were 41 points up at one stage prior to a late rally from the tourists