Dallaglio in Ashton's thoughts

ENGLAND:World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio could be part of England's Webb Ellis Trophy defence in France later this year.

Head coach Brian Ashton has confirmed the Wasps skipper, who played a pivotal role when England were crowned 2003 world champions, remains in the selection shake-up.

Backrow Dallaglio, capped 77 times, has not started a Test match since June 2004, although he made four substitute appearances during last season's Six Nations Championship after ending a spell of international retirement.

Ashton said: "Lawrence has never been out of the frame in terms of our thinking.

"One of the things he brings to the party is the fact he has got very good leadership skills on the field. It may well be we decide that is something we need, come World Cup time.

"In my opinion, I think he played better and better this season once the Heineken Cup knock-out stages began."

Dallaglio (34) helped Wasps land their second European title in four seasons when the Londoners ended Leicester's trophy treble bid at Twickenham last month.

He must now await Ashton's likely 40-man World Cup training squad announcement on Wednesday week to see whether he makes his third finals.

SOUTH AFRICA:Nine players have returned to the Springbok squad ahead of Saturday's Test against Samoa in Johannesburg, team manager Zola Yeye said yesterday.

Hooker Bismarck du Plessis, flankers Luke Watson, Wikus van Heerden and Pedrie Wannenburg, outhalf Derick Hougaard, centres Wayne Julies and Waylon Murray, wing JP Pietersen and lock Johan Ackermann are back in the camp.

All except Wannenburg were part of the 46-man training squad initially announced before the two Tests against England.

Yeye said there was no news yet on the severity of a knee injury winger Bryan Habana picked up in Saturday's 55-22 win over England in Pretoria.

AUSTRALIA: Coach John Connolly is set to rest players for Saturday's Test against Fiji in Perth, keeping his powder dry before the opening Tri-Nations clash with the Springboks.

Matt Giteau's absence due to the knee injury sustained against Wales means George Gregan will start at scrumhalf after being the catalyst for Saturday's romp when he came on at half-time in Brisbane. Forwards Guy Shepherdson, Rocky Elsom and Wycliff Palu, and centre Stirling Mortlock are rested.

Winger Lote Tuqiri is set to return against the nation of his birth at the Subiaco Oval after being rested for the Wales series.