Hosted by the French ambassador, the Duc de Nivernais, in one of Rome's more flamboyant palaces, Palazzo Farnese (which is still the French embassy today), these extravagant occasions celebrated the long-awaited birth of the French Dauphin's first son.

ECONOMIST: Our books and arts editor at a market for masterpieces

Shane Williams gifted Francois Trinh-Duc a try in the same match, fly-half Stephen Jones gave one away in the loss to England, while during the autumn internationals Dan Biggar committed the same sin against Samoa, while Jonathan Davies' kicking howler against Argentina was every bit as bad.

BBC: Wales fail to buck losing trend against Boks