LEINSTER powered through their last Heineken Cup Pool 2 battle with a thrilling victory over Racing Metro at Stade Yves du Manoir last night to secure a coveted home draw in the quarter-finals in April.

Italy coach Nick Mallett has handed uncapped Giulio Rubini a starting berth for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations game against Wales in Rome.

ON a cold day in Rome, Ireland turned the heat up on the RBS Six Nations title challengers and hit the top of the table on point difference from Wales, the reigning champions.

ITALY coach Nick Mallett is looking for the Azzurri to play a perfect game against Ireland as they attempt to forget their opening 6 Nations defeat at England.

NICK MALLETT claims Italy are beginning to enjoy the benefits of shedding their inferiority complex.

FRANCE’s glamour club Biarritz have been hit by injuries ahead of their European Cup clash against Glasgow tonight, when only a win will keep alive their fading hopes of a quarter-final place.

Italy team to play Wales in the RBS Six Nations Championship at the Stadio Flaminio on Saturday, March 10 has been announced.

STEPHEN JONES insists it is Wales’ players and not coach Scott Johnson who should be taking the brunt of the increasing criticism following last weekend’s lacklustre RBS 6 Nations Championship draw against Italy.

Italy coach Pierre Berbizier has made three changes to his starting line-up for the Six Nations Championship clash against Wales in Cardiff.

ENGLAND lock Steve Borthwick has a degree in economics and politics from Bath University - so his reputation as a workaholic rugby scholar should be of little surprise.

THOUGH the main focus of the final weekend will be in Cardiff, France’s game with Italy could play a major part in the outcome of the championship.

ENGLAND boss Andy Robinson wants to recreate a “fortress Twickenham” factor - starting with today’s RBS 6 Nations clash against fellow wooden spoon candidates Italy.

Italy coach John Kirwan has made one change to his 25-man squad for their final two RBS 6 Nations games against England and France.

Italy coach John Kirwan has made just the one change for the Azzurri’s crunch Pool D game against Canada next week.

John Kirwan today made 14 changes to the Italy side that was thumped by New Zealand on Saturday and urged his new-look side: “Our World Cup starts now.”

Italy coach John Kirwan will find out in Edinburgh on Saturday whether his intensive World Cup preparations are likely to pay worthwhile dividends.

Italy have named their team to play Scotland in RBS 6 Nations on Saturday at Murrayfield.