Rory Best will prove his critics wrong with his calm leadership as Ireland go through a tough spell, says Jamie Heaslip.
Mako Vunipola's latest hamstring setback is not serious and he is set to be fit for England's Rugby World Cup campaign.
France named their Rugby World Cup squad more than two months ago, but coach Jacques Brunel is still considering turning to his reserves.
New Zealand's Brodie Retallick is still suffering with a shoulder injury, but Steve Hansen has called him up anyway.
New Zealand opted to leave 108-time international Owen Franks out of their Rugby World Cup squad.
Having suffered a hamstring injury at the weekend, Sam Skinner will not be available for the Rugby World Cup for Scotland.
Rassie Erasmus named his Rugby World Cup squad on Monday, with Eben Etzebeth involved despite the South Africa star's off-field drama.
Clermont Auvergne are up and running in the Top 14 as Peter Betham inspired a 28-10 win over La Rochelle on Sunday.
There were shock wins for Bayonne and Bordeaux-Begles as the Top 14 returned for the 2019-20 season on Saturday.
Mako Vunipola's return from injury was cut short, but England coach Eddie Jones is "cautiously optimistic" over the prop.
The Rugby World Cup is not far away but Ireland's performance against England showed they are not ready, according to Rory Best.
Ireland's hopes of moving to the top of the world rankings on Saturday were crushed by a brilliant England display at Twickenham.
Sam Skinner, Tommy Seymour and Blade Thomson were forced off as Scotland hit back to beat France a week after a heavy defeat.
The fixtures for the 2019-20 Champions Cup and Challenge Cup have been revealed, with Saracens starting their title defence at Racing 92.
Despite being seen as a potential successor to Eddie Jones, Jim Mallinder is leaving his role with England for a job in Scotland.
David Pocock has not played since March but Michael Hooper expects him to be key for Australia at the Rugby World Cup.