British and Irish Lions

Williams needs a strong performance in the Six Nations to convince British & Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward he deserves a place in his squad for this summer's tour to New Zealand.

The Cardiff Blues flanker has been struggling with a disc problem in his neck but Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies has delivered an encouraging fitness bulletin just five days before the eagerly-awaited Millennium Stadium showdown.
"We are pretty optimistic about Martyn," said Davies.

"He has made some good progress, and he will now have a few tests in the next 48 hours and we are pretty optimistic he is getting there.

"It has been a bit frustrating, but he is on the mend," Davies added.

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.

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.