The Bulls landed the first telling blow in the two-match Super 14 pre-season showdown with the Lions, winning an exciting encounter 32-24 at Wits University, Johannesburg, on Thursday."

Prince William may well have mixed feelings on Saturday afternoon when Wales flanker Martyn Williams runs out against England at Twickenham.

Italy captain Sergio Parisse insists his team will not be fooled by Irish tricks in Saturday's Six Nations Championship opener at Dublin's Croke Park."

France scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde expects his young team to run into problems during their Six Nations Championship opener against Scotland on Sunday."

New Brumbies recruit Matt Toomua says the element of surprise might be one of his team's greatest assets when the Super 14 begins next month."

Sharks coach Dick Muir's approach to the Durban-based franchise's Super 14 pre-season clash with the Cheetahs is a complete contrast to that of his counterpart Naka Drotsk?."

England captain Phil Vickery has predicted "a massively physical game" when Wales come knocking at Twickenham on Saturday."

Italy captain Sergio Parisse insists his team will not be fooled by Irish tricks in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations Championship opener at Dublin's Croke Park.

France scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde expects his young team to run into problems during their RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against Scotland on Sunday.

Phil Vickery has predicted "a massively physical game" when England launch their RBS 6 Nations campaign against Wales on Saturday.