Australia overcome France in a scrappy encounter at the ANZ Stadium in Brisbane thanks to a dominant second-half performance.

Australia have promised to try and play a more attractive brand of rugby in their opening test against France in Sydney today in the hope of winning back disgruntled fans.

New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter has signed a six-month deal with French club Perpignan after receiving permission to spend a season in Europe.

New Ireland coach Declan Kidney has chosen former Australia Rugby League player Les Kiss as his defence coach.

WORLD CUP-winning prop CJ van der Linde and Australian international back-row forward Rocky Elsom have been named on the Leinster roster for the coming season.

IRELAND are set to take on South Africa this autumn in the United Arab Emirates in what would be an unprecedented international test.

A Matt Giteau-inspired Australia produce a devastating performance to crush an impotent France in Brisbane.

Jerome Kaino’s second-half try sees New Zealand beat world champions South Africa in the opening Tri-Nations match.

“It’s a tough start for Glaws with Leicester at home followed by Bath away” - RS

Gloucester face Leicester in the opening round of next season’s Guinness Premiership.