Best fit for Ireland

Ireland hooker Rory Best will lead his country in Saturday's Six Nations game against Scotland after overcoming a rib injury sustained in the draw against France.

The 29-year-old had a scan on the injury but it revealed no major damage and he was named in the team on Wednesday after coming through a training session unscathed.

Best replaces the injured Paul O’Connell as captain, with Donnacha Ryan taking over at lock. The only other change sees Eoin Reddan replacing...

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Botes defended after nightmare debut

Italy flanker Simone Favaro has come out in defence of Tobias Botes after the fly-half endured a nightmare full debut in the Six Nations defeat to Ireland on Sunday.

Botes, who made his first international start in Dublin, had a shaky game with the boot as Italy fell to a demoralising third successive defeat in the 2012 Six Nations.

The 27-year-old's below-par performance in the 42-10 reverse at the Aviva Stadium came on the back of a nervy kicking display against England...

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Lamont ruled out with broken leg

Scotland winger Rory Lamont will miss the rest of the Six Nations after breaking his leg in Sunday’s 23-17 defeat to France.

Lamont subsequently had an operation at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and faces up to four months on the sidelines.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Rory is comfortable. His convalescence will get under way at once. Injuries of this nature require typically three to four months of rehabilitation."

Scotland were leading...

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Sexton recovered

Rugby previews:
Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton says he is now fully recovered from his calf injury and is raring to go ahead of his country’s Six Nations match against Italy on Saturday.
The Leinster number 10 tweaked his thigh while practicing his goal kicking before the postponed game against France and was forced out of the next few days’ training.
Veteran Ronan O’Gara was put on standby to start before the game in Paris was called-off due to a frozen pitch at the Stade...

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Manu Tuilagi to return?

Rugby preview:
England interim boss Stuart Lancaster says he is seriously considering recalling fit again centre Manu Tuilagi for his side’s crunch Six Nations match against Wales.
Lancaster’s side have got off to unbeaten start to this year’s tournaments claiming hard fought wins against Scotland and Italy and are now in the running for their first grand slam since 2003.
However, they’re yet to face the three pre-tournament favourites in Wales, France and Ireland so if they’re...

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