FOXSPORTS.com.au | Rugby Union

AUSTRALIA overcame a wretched build-up and a dogged France team to maintain an unbeaten record on their European tour with a nail-biting victory in Paris.

NEW Zealand have scored a 20th consecutive rugby victory over Wales stretching back 55 years, withstanding a ferocious first-half to come away 29-9 winners.

SCOTLAND slid and shivered their way to a confidence-boosting 41-0 rugby triumph over Canada in arctic conditions at Pittodrie.

Ireland secured their place in the second tier of the top eight seedings for next month's 2011 Rugby World Cup draw with a grinding victory against Argentina.

RUGBY world champions South Africa rounded off their 2008 campaign in style with a record-breaking 42-6 thrashing of England at Twickenham.

THE Pacific Islanders have won their first ever rugby Test match as they stunned Italy 25-17 at the Stadio Giglio in Reggio Emilia.

AUSTRALIA half-back Luke Burgess needs to hear plenty of chatter as he burrows into the ruck in search of quick ball, and five-eighth Matt Giteau is the player best placed to provide it.

AUSTRALIA coach Robbie Deans won't hesitate to start with veteran half-back Sam Cordingley against France in Paris on Sunday morning if Luke Burgess continues to struggle with flu.

ENGLAND No8 Nick Easter admits that a victory over South Africa won't come close to making amends for his country's World Cup final defeat to the Springboks.

DAN Carter insists he is not haunted by New Zealand's Cardiff meltdown as the All-Blacks return to the Millennium Stadium for the first time since their World Cup defeat to France.