AN England Grand Slam only five months after their rugby world fell apart in their own global tournament just serves to show once again that, in sport, the pain of calamitous defeat can serve to inspire new beginnings.

JAMIE NOON scored a hat-trick against Scotland at Twickenham last year, but the Newcastle centre believes victory at Murrayfield today could herald the dawning of a first England Grand Slam in three years - and confirmation that the World Cup hangover has passed.

THE ORGANISERS of the Heineken European Cup are to press ahead with the final in Dublin.

Bath 18 Harlequins 15