British and Irish Lions

Italy coach John Kirwan has asked the people of Rome to lend him their ears and prepare for battle as the Azurri aim to start their RBS 6 Nations tournament with a win against Wales.

The Kiwi believes their opening fixture at the Stadio Flaminio represents arguably their best chance of a victory this season.

And he urged the Romans fans to roar their gladiators to victory, saying: "Italy will meet a Wales team full of real warriors that have come to Rome to fight to the end and even to immolate themselves on the field, if necessary."

"That's why I am asking Italian sports fans and Romans in particular for their backing which will be decisive on Saturday.

"I want the players to hear Italy's name being shouted out and that they look up in the stands and see blue everywhere so they can give more than their best."

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.