Ulster have refused to confirm, or deny, that they are poised to sign the talented Wallaby fly-half Christian Leali’ifano on a short-term contract.

Australia 28 New Zealand 29

The decisive match-ups

New Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has no concerns over playmaker Quade Cooper’s ability to perform under pressure ahead of his likely Test return against the All Blacks next month.

With Warburton out, if Deans chooses to recall George Smith to the fray, we could see a sizeable shift in that battle at the breakdown.

Wallabies match-winner Adam Ashley-Cooper is bracing himself for a big-time return of midfield rival Jamie Roberts when Australia face the British & Irish Lions in Saturday’s series decider in Sydney.

Momentum is built on moments, and perhaps the telling one in Australia’s victory in Melbourne came early in the second half when Brian O’Driscoll managed to achieve what the Wallabies had largely failed to do.

The haunted look on Brian O’Driscoll’s face at the final whistle said it all.

Australia 16 British & Irish Lions 15

Jonathan Sexton pulled no punches yesterday after the British and Irish Lions were agonisingly denied Test series glory against Australia.

Australia 16 British and Irish Lions 15

Will Genia is talking tough ahead of today’s crunch second Test with the British and Irish Lions in Melbourne.

Howley warns players against thinking about anything other than their jobs today

It’s fair to say Robbie Deans does not like speaking to the media.

LIONS TOUR - SECOND TEST: Australia v Lions

An eventful few hours in the Australia camp began with wing Digby Ioane being issued with an arrest warrant and ended with his injury-enforced withdrawal from the remainder of the Test series against the British and Irish Lions.

It was difficult not to have a degree of sympathy for the Australians on Saturday night.

An arm injury sustained in the first-Test victory over Australia has placed Paul O’Connell’s Lions tour in jeopardy.

Paul O’Connell was undoubtedly a significant contributor to the Lions victory in the first Test in Brisbane, but perhaps the more crucial factor was the Munster-like weather that afflicted the so-called Sunshine State the day before the match.

Australia 21 British & Irish Lions 23

Australia have named Tri-Nations winning captain James Horwill as their skipper for the British and Irish Lions Tour.