Olivier Elima was the four-try hero as France came from behind to beat Ireland 58-24 in the Alitalia European Cup.
Wakefield and Ireland winger Damien Blanch has put his injury heartache aside by agreeing a new two-year contract at Belle Vue.
Australia have retained their status as the top-ranked team in world rugby league despite their World Cup final defeat to New Zealand.
Ireland look set to miss out on a place in the Tri-Nations Series when it returns to the schedule in 2009.
Coach Andy Kelly has called for Ireland to be added to an expanded Tri-Nations after his side's brave World Cup exit.
Both Paul Cullen and Martin Offiah lament Ireland's kicking - or lack of it - as they exit the World Cup to Fiji.
Ireland's hopes of setting up a semi-final showdown with Australia were ended after Fiji powered to a 30-14 win.
Scott Grix was left 'devastated' after Fiji eliminated Ireland from the World Cup with a 30-14 victory in the semi-final qualifier.
Ireland captain Andy Kelly has warned against complacency ahead of Monday's semi-final qualifier against Fiji.
Andy Kelly insists he has always believed that his Irish side could make an impact in the Rugby League World Cup.
Ireland's Simon Finnigan says any celebrations planned following their Samoa win will have to wait.
Harlequins captain Rob Purdham is hoping England can follow the example of Ireland in their final World Cup group match.
Fiji captain Wes Naiqama insists his side can handle the challenge of playing a third match in just 10 days against buoyant Ireland.
Ireland have been given a boost ahead of their semi-final qualifier against Fiji with news that Michael Platt has been cleared to play.
Ireland emphatically booked their place in the knockout stages of the World Cup with a stunning 34-16 victory over Samoa.
Andy Kelly failed to hide his delight after Ireland shocked Samoa to qualify from Pool C.
Ireland's pack are planning to run rings around their heavyweight Samoan opponents, says Gareth Haggerty.
Front-row forward Wayne Kerr will be on the bench for Ireland against Samoa in place of injured veteran Mick Cassidy.
Wayne Kerr is to make his Ireland debut in Wednesday's winner-takes-all clash with Samoa.
Simon Finnigan thinks Ireland can still make the World Cup semi-finals, despite their loss to Tonga.
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