With NATO focused mostly on the fighting in Afghanistan, they want a clear statement that old-fashioned collective defence of NATO territory is still a priority.

ECONOMIST: NATO and Russia

The French aristocrats continued to dominate territory but Munster's ferocious defence kept them at arm's length and Elissalde was reduced to attempting another drop-goal, which drifted wide.

BBC: Munster 16-13 Toulouse

The Australians soon regained control of both territory and possession but more ferocious Scottish defence meant they could not cross the hosts' line, and a missed penalty and drop-goal from Giteau meant the two sides were locked together at 3-3 at the interval.

BBC: Scotland 9-8 Australia

It will only ever be used in self-defence, and will never fight outside Swiss territory.

BBC: Knives out for conscription into Swiss army

Warwick converted and though the Dragons had some decent territory, they lacked the guile required to prise open the Munster defence.

BBC: Munster 50-6 Dragons

The visitors continued to hammer away but the hosts' defence held firm, and when they eventually lifted the siege a Chris Chesney burst took them into Bath territory.

BBC: Saracens 26-20 Bath