A well-documented aspect of the decline of Barcelona was the so-called ‘Messi-dependencia’, where the team eventually struggled to do anything without him. Finances played a part there but the perceived importance of Messi dominated so much of the discourse that a disproportional amount of resource went into ensuring he was present at all times.

Use precise geolocation data. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Store and/or access information on a device. Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners (vendors)

France head coach Fabien Galthie has branded the incident which injured Antoine Dupont as "reprehensible" amid reports his captain faces nine months on the sidelines. Les Bleus captain Dupont - widely-regarded as the world's best player - is suspected to have suffered serious knee damage after being hurt during a ruck clearout involving Ireland pair Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter.

Tadhg Beirne and Andrew Porter have avoided disciplinary action despite France head coach Fabien Galthié launching a withering attack on “reprehensible” Irish behaviour after Saturday’s match.

France captain Antoine Dupont has confirmed on social media that he ruptured cruciate ligaments in his knee during the win over Ireland on Saturday. The scrum half was forced off in the first-half after Tadhg Beirne fell awkwardly on his leg at a ruck.