England head coach Stuart Lancaster has backed Owen Farrell to make an impact from the bench against Australia at Twickenham tomorrow after dropping him from his starting XV for the first time since June 2012.

Stuart Lancaster has no qualms about picking Anthony Watson on the right wing for tomorrow’s QBE International against South Africa and believes he is ready for his first Test start.

Eoghan Ruadh 0-14 Éire Óg 1-05

If Declan Kidney was hoping his Irish Wolfhounds would upset the established order ahead of his RBS 6 Nations squad announcement today, he will have left Exeter on Saturday night slightly disappointed.

Munster hat-trick hero Simon Zebo has been given a chance to stake a senior international claim after being selected for the Ireland Wolfhounds in the A international against England Saxons in Exeter tomorrow (5pm).

Galway 1-21 Dublin 1-12

MARTIN JOHNSON admitted he was relieved to escape Rome with a victory after watching England battle to an unconvincing win against Nick Mallett’s Italy yesterday at the Stadio Flaminio.

England manager Martin Johnson has finalised a forwards-dominated bench for Sunday’s RBS 6 Nations clash with Italy.

Worcester Warriors 3 Ulster 25

THOSE harbouring ambitions of playing a part in the RBS 6 Nations will be hoping to impress their respective national coaches in tonight’s intriguing Ireland A-England Saxons tie at Donnybrook (kick-off 7.35pm).

Danny Cipriani is one of six capped players named in the England Saxons side to face Ireland A at Donnybrook.

Ireland U18 21 21 England U18 38