WALES coach Warren Gatland has tipped history-maker Sam Warburton to leave a lasting impression on the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Fourie du Preez and Heinrich Brussow have been recalled to the South Africa starting line-up for the first time in 21 months for Saturday’s Tri Nations clash with Australia in Durban.

Heinrich Brussow will miss South Africa’s year-end tour to Europe after it was discovered the flanker needs further surgery to rectify a long-term knee problem.

Ireland bring down the curtain on their autumn internationals with one eye on avenging the Lions’ Test series defeat by South Africa.

IN the professional environment of a rugby-mad country where bulk is almost a condition of employment, Heinrich Brussow doesn’t quite fit the bill.

IRELAND won’t beat the world champions at Croke Park on Saturday unless the entire team plays out of its boots from the kick-off.

I LOVE this phase of the season when the big boys from down under come to town and we are treated to a host of quality international rugby.

ANY hopes Munster may have harboured of star signing Jean de Villiers arriving early in Ireland were dashed in Brisbane on Saturday as Australia recorded a remarkable 21-9 Tri-Nations win over South Africa.

SOUTH Africa assistant coach Gary Gold has revealed Schalk Burger was always going to be in the starting line-up for the series against the British and Irish Lions as long as he was fit.

Schalk Burger returns to the starting line-up for South Africa when they take on the British and Irish Lions in the second Test match in Pretoria on Saturday.

WE HAVE a series. At least that was the general consensus in the press box at the final whistle. That, I hope, is not wishful thinking.

IRELAND full-back Rob Kearney, who realised a lifetime ambition when coming on for the Lions at Kings Park on Saturday, believes a Test series victory is still possible.

ONE day in the limelight has set Heinrich Brussow’s pulse racing, and believing he can be architect of the British and Irish Lions’ downfall.

WHILE Ian McGeechan will officially announce the Lions side for the opening test in Durban at lunchtime tomorrow, this is the day that will make or break the aspirations and dreams of all within the Lions playing party.

ASSISTANT coach Dick Muir believes South Africa are well prepared for the first Test against the Lions despite the absence of Schalk Burger for the opening match in Durban on Saturday.

Heinrich Brussow has walked straight into South Africa's starting line-up for the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Durban on Saturday.

HEINRICH BRUSSOW has been added to the South Africa squad as cover for Schalk Burger ahead of Saturday’s first Test against the Lions.

Heinrich Brussow has been added to the South Africa squad as cover for Schalk Burger ahead of Saturday’s first Test against the British and Irish Lions.

THE Lions have every reason to remember Heinrich Brussow, the flanker South African coach Pieter de Villiers chose to ignore.

WITH THE crucial opening test against South Africa in Durban looming large on the horizon, the Lions management are ready to move into phase two of this tour.

IAN MCGEECHAN might well have good cause to thank his Springbok rival Peter de Villiers for leaving out the Cheetahs’ back row man Heinrick Brussow from his 28-man squad to face the British & Irish Lions this month.