Saturday Feb 11 13:09 AEDT

French, Irish go for the throat

France and Ireland are set for a fierce encounter in their Six Nations match in Paris, with both coaches ordering teams to go for the jugular.

Six Nations: Results & ladder

Six Nations: England look to match Italian passions

Wales clash: Scots seek to raise Millenium roof

Cooper's return goes up a gear

A mad airport dash has Quade Cooper confident his comeback from a knee reconstruction is well on track.

'Mother Hen': Force roost to lose Sharpe

Mr Fix-It: Lucas wants to nail down Reds No10

Trial win: Waratahs romp to victory over Samoa A

Australian teams at Super disadvantage

Brumbies coach Jake White says Australian Super teams are disadvantaged, and Ewen McKenzie agrees.

Strong squad: Force coach praises his pack

Defending champs: Reds ready for Super challenge

Foley excited: NSW ready for Samoan challenge

Barnes to lead Waratahs in first hitout

Berrick Barnes will get first crack at captaining NSW in the absence of Rocky Elsom in their opening trial.

No more: Parks retires from international arena

Six Nations: Four changes to France side

Rankings drop: Scotland out of top ten

Slipper hungry for more Reds success

Queensland's hard-luck story of 2011, James Slipper, is motivated to make an impact in 2012.

Trial thrashing: Rebels refusing to panic

England coach: Lancaster bids for full-time job

France clash: Wiser Irish heads must prevail

Experts

Lance Peatey

Rugby World CupAll Blacks broke their drought amid
a fly-half
injury curse. Steve Hitstirrer

Advance AustraliaForeign
coaches are
the future
for all our
teams.

More union headlines

Quade's at peace with his RWC strugglesWallabies playmaker Quade Cooper believes his and Australia's Rugby World Cup campaign suffered for over-analysis. Waratahs romp to trial winSouth African recruit Sarel Pretorius has impressed as the Waratahs claimed a convincing 83-5 Super Rugby trial win over Samoa A in Tamworth. Force roost loses 'Mother Hen' SharpeNathan Sharpe will retire at the end of the Super Rugby competition after 101 Tests and 15 seasons of first-class rugby. Mr Fix-It Lucas wants to nail down No.10While Mike Harris has been the favourite to replace Reds playmaker Quade Cooper, it shouldn't surprise if the nod goes to utility back Ben Lucas. Rebels look to lift for formidable BluesMelbourne Rebels rugby coach Damien Hill is looking for an improved performance from his side in their second pre-season trial when they take on the Blues. England unchanged for Italy rugby clashEngland have named an unchanged squad for Saturday's Six Nations clash against Italy after beating Scotland in their tournament opener. Italy-England Six Nations in Rome sold outA capacity crowd of 72,000 will be at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for the Six Nations clash between Italy and England. Wales Ryan Jones in for banned DaviesRyan Jones has been named in place of banned Wales lock Bradley Davies for the Six Nations clash with Scotland in Cardiff. Force rugby coach praises his packThey aren't among the favourites for this year's Super Rugby tournament but Western Force have as good a pack as any side, according to their coach. Foley excited about Samoan rugby challengeFormer Wallabies hooker Michael Foley finally gets the chance to show his head coaching skills when the Waratahs play Samoa in a Super Rugby trial. Queensland ready for Super challengeQueensland know a back-to-back Super Rugby title won't just come to them, they must go out and actively win it again. Wales' Davies banned for 'tip tackle'Wales' Bradley Davies has been ruled out of the remainder of the Six Nations after being banned for seven weeks for a "tip tackle" in the Ireland game. Italy make two changes for Six NationsItaly have made two changes for their historic debut at Rome's Stadio Olimpico for the visit of England in the Six Nations contest. Harris and Lucas in Reds No.10 auditionQld coach Ewen McKenzie will start Mike Harris at five-eighth in their trial against the Brumbies as the Reds seek a replacement for injured Quade Cooper. Dan Parks retires from international rugbyDan Parks is retiring from international rugby following Scotland's Six Nations opening defeat by England. Four changes to France Six Nations sideFour changes have been made to the France Six Nations side for their game against Ireland at the Stade de France this weekend.

Another blow for CollingwoodFebruary 11, 2012: Another blow for the injury-hit Collingwood with Andrew Krakouer given four weeks...

ARL Commission prepares for first season

Australia secures win over Sri Lanka

Victory scores a winner against Mariners

New era for rugby league

Delidio injury jolts season build-up

Australia recovers after early struggle

Wallaby Sharpe set to quit