EIGHT years Geordan Murphy has been playing for Ireland. For most of that time, the Leicester full-back has been fielding the same old questions about the disparity between his form at club and international levels.

London Irish player-coach Brendan Venter believes the lack of Six Nations calls for his players has been a bonus as they bid to repeat last season's shock Powergen Cup final victory over Northampton Saints in Sunday's semi-final at Oxford.

Rookie scrum-half Nick Duncombe could become a senior England international on Saturday - less than two years after breaking his neck.