Stade de France has been spoilt with some classic rugby contests over the past 14 months, and fans were set for another one as the All Blacks came to town.
This opening block has been glorious, and - bonus - educational. For those interested, here’s a little of what I’ve learned.
Round six of the Gallagher Premiership promises to deliver another thrilling weekend of action, with teams looking to solidify their positions ahead of a break before the Test rugby returns in November.
Twenty-eight of the 36 players named by Steve Borthwick in the England squad for the upcoming Autumn Nations Series will start for their clubs in this weekend’s Gallagher Premiership.
There are just four weeks to go before the All Blacks arrive at Allianz Stadium on November 2, so players will be vying to impress.
Here we are, about to begin another season of Premiership Women’s Rugby. Last season saw Gloucester-Hartpury Women lift the trophy once again, winning a free-flowing finale against Bristol Bears Women.
The Gallagher Premiership table after round one highlighted how you can get strange quirks in this game, defending champions Northampton finding themselves at the bottom 16 weeks after they lifted the trophy at Twickenham.
Openside flanker Sean Withy has appeared in all 12 matches (836 minutes) for the Highlanders in 2024.
Doncaster have been cleared for Gallagher Premiership promotion provided they finish the current season as Championship champions and then win a two-legged play-off against the top-flight’s bottom club, most likely versus Newcastle.
Prolific winger Portia Woodman and 18-year-old centre Sylvia Brunt both crossed twice as the five-time world champions ran in 10 tries in a bonus point win.