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Munster’s Paul O’Connell at odds with referee Romain Poite in an Amlin Cup tie. Unpredictable Romain Poite’s selection for potentially decisive third Test sends a shiver down the spine

Both camps have welcomed the appointment of New Zealander Chris Pollock for the first Test

Paul Gallen of the New South Wales Blues and Nate Myles of the Queensland Maroons during a controversial incident in game one of the popular ARL State of Origin series at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Phtograph: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images Rugby union fighting for its share of competitive Australian sports market

Rugby league, Aussie Rules, cricket and soccer all vying for the attention of the sports-mad public ‘Down Under’

James O’Connor of the Rebels has been named at outhalf for the first Test against the Lions with Kurtley Beale on the bench. Photograph: Getty Images. James O’Connor at outhalf for Australia as Robbie Deans names three new caps

George North’s unexpected return timely boost for Lions going into first Test

James O’Connor will start at outhalf for Australia in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane on Saturday. Photograph: Chris Hyde/Getty Images Australia name James O’Connor at outhalf for first Test

Robbie Deans includes three debutants for Brisbane clash

George North dives over for his second try during the match between Combined Country and the British & Irish Lions at Hunter Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions can look to North for first test

The Welsh wing has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available to face Australia

Lions’ captain Rory Best looks dejected after his team’s defeat to the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium yesterday in Canberra, Australia. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions’ duo Rob Kearney and Rory Best rue the consequences of ignominious defeat to buoyant Brumbies

Players fail to enhance their reputation with Test places at stake

Simon Zebo during yesterday’s match against the ACT Brumbies at Canberra Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Most Lions positions for first Test look nailed on but still places available

Zebo’s fine performance in his tour debut against the Waratahs ticked all the boxes

Ireland players dejected at the end of the game. Photograph: Inpho Ireland edged out by France in fifth place semi-final

Wales and England spring shocks to set up all-northern hemisphere final

British and Irish Lions’ captain Rory Best (centre) and replacement scrumhalf Conor Murray lead the team off the pitch after losing to the Brumbies. Photograph: David Davies/PA Wire. Gatland concedes Lions not good enough

The New Zealander bemoans a lack of intensity in the first half and a poor performance at the breakdown

Rob Kearney of the Lions is tackled during the match against the ACT Brumbies and the British & Irish Lions at Canberra Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Lions derailed by Brumbies in Canberra

Lineout a mess as basics let the tourists down days ahead of the crucial first Test

Shane Williams, Christian Wade and assistant coach Andy Farrell during as the Lions’ training session at North Sydney Oval. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho ACT Brumbies out to make most of free shot at Lions in Canberra

Host side not fully loaded but victory would boost coach Jake White’s chances of succeeding Robbie Deans as Wallabies head coach

Devin Toner made a big step up in the international game with his performances on tour. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho Joe Schmidt’s regeneration of Ireland begins to take shape

Players put their hands up on North American tour while the backroom team is coming together

Clyde Rathbone of the Brumbies will be up against the Lions’ Shane Williams today. Photograph: Stefan Postles/Getty Images Second coming proving all the sweeter for Brumbies’ Clyde Rathbone

Former Wallaby looking forward to locking horns with the Lions

Tommy Bowe trains at the North Sydney Oval with the help of a hand splint. Photograph: Dan Sheridan/Inpho Tommy Bowe ‘highly unlikely’ to be available for Lions’ first Test

But winger back running as Jamie Roberts also looks set to miss out

Ireland head coach Mike Ruddock. Photograph: Gwna‘l Mah/InphoŽ Ruddock rings changes for France match

Northampton Saints academy wing Wootton to make his Ireland debut

George North breaks clear for his first try during the match between Combined Country and the British & Irish Lions at Hunter Stadium. Photograph: David Rogers/Getty Images Mixed prognosis for Roberts and North

Lions team doctor James Robson believes that Welsh wing could be fit for first test

Ireland’s Peter O’Mahony after the match against Canada in Toronto. Photograph: Billy Stickland/Inpho. Peter O’Mahony steps up when his country calls

Willpower, quiet leadership and calmness under pressure kept the wolves from the door on countless occasions

Jonny Sexton of the Lions is surounded by Waratahs players . Photoraph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images Lions won’t risk players in game against Brumbies

Gatland willing to sacrifice Canberra clash for greater gain against Wallabies

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Full coverage of the Lions Tour Down Under
 

Rabo Pro 12

Team P W D L F A BP Pts
Ulster 22 17 1 4 577 348 11 81
Leinster 22 17 0 5 585 386 10 78
Glasgow 22 16 0 6 541 324 12 76
Scarlets 22 15 0 7 436 406 6 66
Ospreys 22 14 1 7 471 342 4 62
Munster 22 11 1 10 442 384 8 54
Treviso 22 10 2 10 414 450 6 51
Connacht 22 8 1 13 358 422 4 38
Cardiff 21 8 0 13 335 450 6 38
Edinburgh 22 7 0 15 499 504 8 36
Dragons 22 6 0 16 358 589 4 28
Zebre 22 0 0 22 288 573 10 10

 

Our Writers

Matt Williams Matt Williams -

Lions may tick all the boxes but be wary of underdogs Australia

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Sepp Blatter and upper echelon at Fifa well detached from people they should serve

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Game of the Gael: Road bowling through Cork and Armagh

Ian O'Riordan Ian O'Riordan -

Words of JFK remembered as Ireland look to avoid the drop

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