World Cup finalists France handed new coach Philippe Saint-Andre a winning start in the Six Nations with a 30-12 victory over Italy at a freezing Stade de France on Saturday.
Toby Faletau wants Wales to move on from the agony of their World Cup campaign - starting with Sunday's Six Nations opener against Ireland.
Paul O'Connell believes a feelgood factor surrounding the Irish provinces' march on Europe this season has permeated the national squad.
James Hanks will skipper Exeter in Sunday's LV= Cup clash with Bath (kick-off 5pm).
Ross Chisholm continues at full-back for Harlequins in Sunday's LV= Cup clash with Cardiff Blues (kick-off 1pm).
Jake White's tenure at the Brumbies got off to a winning start, as his team demolished the Western Force 25-0 in a pre-season Super Rugby encounter at Rugby Park, Darwin, on Saturday.
Jamie Roberts has admitted it was "touch and go" whether he would be available for Wales' RBS 6 Nations opener against Ireland on Sunday.
Rory Best has urged Ireland to build on the consistency they displayed at the World Cup when their Six Nations opens against Wales on Sunday.
Europe was in an icy grip on Friday when the Under-20 Six Nations were scheduled to start on Friday night. Two of the matches were played, one postponed.
Andy Farrell is sure England's inexperienced side can thrive on the hostility, history and "chaos" that lies in wait for them against Scotland.
Ireland go into Sunday's Six Nations match with Wales with revenge very much on their minds after losing to the Welsh twice last year including October's World Cup quarterfinal.
The Blues put down an early marker about their Super Rugby potential, when they beat the Hurricanes 36-22 in a pre-season game in Whangarei on Saturday.
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