Wayne Barnes of England, on his way to the World Cup, will referee the decider for the Tri-Nations crown in Brisbane.
An influx of foreign-born players has propelled Japan to unprecedented heights and raised hopes they can bury their miserable World Cup record in New Zealand.
Tonga may have the honour of playing the opening match of the 2011 World Cup against hosts New Zealand, but their clash against France three weeks later is likely to be their most crucial.
France are the glaring omission from the roll call of World Cup winners and this time round expectations are not high that they can set the record straight.
Conor Murray has been named in Ireland coach Declan Kidney's 30-man squad for the World Cup at the expense of Munster teammate Tomas O'Leary.
Japan named on Monday their final 30-player squad for the World Cup next month in New Zealand, where coach John Kirwan has set a target of winning two games.
rugby365.com columnist Grant Ball picks his World Cup squad and gives reasons for his selections.
Japan coach John Kirwan has named his 30-man Rugby World Cup squad and has set a target of two victories in the tournament.
Sam Warburton will become Wales' youngest World Cup captain after coach Warren Gatland revealed his 30-man squad on Monday, but Martyn Williams misses out on the chance to win his 100th cap in the tournament in New Zealand.
Conor Murray has been included in Ireland's squad for the World Cup at the expense of Munster team-mate Tomas O'Leary.
The Wallabies' three most exciting backline stars engaged in a drunken brawl in Paris last November, it was alleged on Monday, threatening to disrupt Australia's World Cup campaign.
Sam Warburton will become Wales' youngest World Cup captain when he skippers the squad in New Zealand next month.
England manager Martin Johnson will unveil his World Cup squad on Monday night, with centre Riki Flutey expected to be excluded.
Alastair Kellock will lead an experienced Scotland team at the World Cup tournament in New Zealand next month.
Despite losing narrowly to Western Province at Newlands the Lions still manage to make up a third of our Team of the Week after a good weekend for the traditional powerhouses in the Currie Cup.
