England unchanged for Italy

England have stuck with the same side that defeated Wales for the match against Italy at Twickenham on Saturday.

Sexton at 10 for Ireland

Johnny Sexton will start at flyhalf in one of three changes to the Ireland side to face France in Dublin on Saturday.

Reds pick Saffa lock

Marco Kotze will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Reds against the Brumbies in Canberra on Friday.

Blues back Cowan

Jimmy Cowan will start at scrumhalf for the Blues against the Chiefs in North Harbour on Saturday.

Sonny Bill at 12 for Chiefs

Sonny Bill Williams will play his first Vodacom Super Rugby match since 2012 for the Chiefs against the Blues on Saturday.

New skipper for Tahs

Dave Dennis returns from a lengthy injury lay-off to lead the Waratahs in their opening match against the Force on Sunday.

Former Reds start for Rebels

Mike Harris and Dom Shipperley will start for the Rebels against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

Pocock, Moore back for Brumbies

David Pocock has been named captain for the Brumbies' season-opener against the Reds at Canberra Stadium on Friday.  

Brache wings it for Force

Marcel Brache, formerly of Western Province, will wear the Force's No 11 jersey against the Waratahs in Sydney.

Strauss makes Bulls return

Springbok hooker Adriaan Strauss will make his first competitive appearance since re-signing for the Vodacom Bulls against the Stormers at Loftus on Saturday.