Eddie O'Sullivan's squad are the best hope of Northern Hemisphere rugby success in France. Away from the media spotlight, strength, creativity and quality is combining to bond a winning team. Posted August 09, 2007 by James Hutchison

Irish eyes were not smiling as a near full-strength side pipped a fired-up Italian outfit 23-20 on Friday. For the second consecutive match they found themselves bullied up front by the opposition pack. Posted August 26, 2007 by James Mortimer

Looking at the players who'll have the biggest influence at the Rugby World Cup, the Southern Hemisphere is streets ahead of the Six Nations teams. Certainly as far as Jimmy Mortimer's XV is concerned. Posted August 30, 2007 by James Mortimer

Over the past few years we have seen Argentina's attempts to join either the Tri Nations or the Six Nations come to nothing. Indeed, the Pumas, third at last year's World Cup, could not even make it onto any of the Tri Nations teams' schedules for 2008,