Australia openside Michael Hooper insists the Wallabies will draw inspiration from the British and Irish Lions’ first defeat of their 2013 tour.

New Munster coach Rob Penney had no involvement in the signing of back-rower CJ Stander from South Africa, but yesterday he fully endorsed the decision to lure the Blue Bulls star to Ireland.

Connacht coach Eric Elwood has made three changes for the team to face the Ospreys in tomorrows RaboDirect Pro12 clash at the Sportsground (k.o. 6.30pm).

The IRFU has announced the appointment of former South African international, Gert Smal as forwards coach to the Irish team.

WHEN Clive Woodward was announced as coach of the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand, we all made a couple of assumptions.