Warren Gatland has challenged referees to stop New Zealand's off-the-ball "blocking" in the British and Irish Lions Test series.

South Africa coach Peter de Villiers is encouraged by the progress made by key duo Ruan Pienaar and Frans Steyn ahead of the three-Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

Referees for the British and Irish Lions Test series against South Africa this summer will come from neutral countries, the International Rugby Board confirmed this afternoon.