British and Irish Lions

Leigh Halfpenny helped himself to 11 points to give Wales coach Warren Gatland another nudge ahead of selection for next weekend's vital RBS 6 Nations clash with Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

The 2009 British & Irish Lions wing kicked three penalties and a conversion to steer Cardiff Blues to a vital away win in the Magners League to move them into third place and remain firmly in contention for the end of season Play Off places.

It was Halfpenny's second game since returning from injury and will have given Gatland another reminder that he is ready to step up onto the international stage again having been an unused replacement in Italy.

In his absence through injury the Scarlets wing Morgan Stoddart has fully justified his selection with two tries, but Halfpenny's long-range goalkicking and efficient all round play could earn him a recall now he has proven his match fitness.

The Blues' 16-11 win at Murrayfield allowed them to complete the double over the Scottish side and make it four wins on the road to date this season. The four points also moved them into third place in the table just ahead of the Ospreys.

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.