WITH Irish rugby’s finest already safely ensconced in base camp in picturesque Cape Town, thoughts of an historic first test victory on South African soil are closer to reality than ever before.

South African bookies have installed Ireland as favourites for Saturday’s first test in Bloemfontein after the Springboks suffered yet another injury blow, according to the Evening Echo.

The Barbarians have made 15 changes to their starting line-up from the team which beat England at Twickenham on yesterday.

The Barbarians have named a strong line-up from their star-studded squad for the opening match of their Lloyds TSB tour against England at Twickenham on Sunday.

DUNEDIN’S House of Pain awaits to derail the ACT Brumbies’ push for a semi-finals’ berth in this week’s Super 12 rugby feature match.

TOULOUSE'S hopes of beating Munster in the semi-finals of the European Cup next week suffered a double injury scare at the weekend when two of their key players limped off the field in the French championship play-offs.

Springbok skipper Corne Krige believes the criticism directed at South Africa following their brutal display against England at Twickenham last November was “blown out of all proportion”.

Canberra: ACT Brumbies 40 Western Stormers 25