British and Irish Lions

Italy team manager Marco Bollesan believes his players can only benefit from testing themselves against the best players in Europe on the domestic stage.

Pierre Berbizier's men have proved to be no pushovers in recent years and were particularly impressive in this year's Six Nations, despite only picking up a solitary point thanks to a draw in Wales.

And Bollesan is confident the best is yet to come.

"Most of our Azzurri boys have left our Super 10 tournament with the aim to play in the best European leagues like France and England," he said.

"I do believe this will be very good for their and our development.

"Certainly, with the next RBS 6 Nations coming close, our players will have more experience and also the opportunity to play with some of their opponents, and this could be positive for us.

"I'm already dreaming of a great 2007 RBS 6 Nations tournament for us, and I'm sure the other teams will fear us more than ever."

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.