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.

Where the key battles will be fought.

Australia have turned to Wallaby greats such as Nick Farr-Jones and Joe Roff for advice on what to expect from the British and Irish Lions during the looming Test series.

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

Code-hopper Israel Folau is one of three new caps in Australia’s preliminary 25-man squad to face the British and Irish Lions, with in-form Reds playmaker Quade Cooper the most notable omission.

Australia flanker David Pocock will miss the upcoming Test series against the British and Irish Lions after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament while playing for the Brumbies yesterday.

Australia coach Robbie Deans has brought in five players to an extended squad for the Wallabies’ next Rugby Championship match against South Africa.

Australia full-back Kurtley Beale will get the chance to make up for his poor performance in Sydney last weekend after being named on the bench for tomorrow’s clash with New Zealand at Eden Park.

Quade Cooper is poised to return to the Australia team for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in Auckland.

IRELAND U19’s produced a performance of high intensity and immense quality on their way to a comprehensive defeat of Australia Schools in an absorbing international at Cork IT last night.