Rugby

About evens here as Ireland lost but France beat the handicap. However lots of little notes for the world cup black book.

Dallaglio is not an 80 minute force. Noon wonderful defense, nothing else. Lewsey still not the player of 2003.

France still run beautifully, but in Skrela have a more pragmatic fly-half. Both sets of forwards powerful - but not yet as dynamic in tackle as All Blacks.

Ireland need to play their best side, and pretty soon. They look rusty and their back-up players below standard. Scotland have a beefed up pack and were dynamic with it which will work against lesser sides but not against the main teams.