The Lions warmed up for the first test in some style beating a strong Waratahs side 47-17 with Leigh Halfpenny scoring a record thirty points. He nabbed two tries during the match with also a try from Ireland out half Jonny Sexton. It was a good overall performance from the Lions and Munster winger Simon Zebo did his chances no harm at all. The Lions remain unbeaten so far in their tour.

Simon Zebo who only arrived in Australia Tuesday as back up to the injured Tommy Bowe is in the Lions side to play New South Wales this Saturday. It’s a strong looking Lions side with at least 12 certain starters for the first test the following week. Jonny Sexton will play at out half but Brian O’ Driscoll who is suffering from a groin problem has been rested as a precaution.

It’s a massive opportunity for Zebo to nail a test place as Bowe won’t be fit with his hand injury. Latest odds here as always with McLeans.

Vern Cotter is to take over as the new Scotland coach from June 2014. The current coach at Clermont Auvergne he will see out the rest of his contract with the French club before taking over with Scotland. He is one of the best coaches in the game and this will be regarded as a major coup. The way Scotland have been playing in recent years there is only one way to go and that is up.

Joe Schmidt has been named as the new Ireland Rugby Coach. The New Zealander has signed a three year deal which will take him up to the next World Cup and the Six Nations in 2016. He was widely tipped as favourite for the job after Declan Kidney wasn’t offered a new deal after what was a very disappointing Six Nations campaign.

Schmidt coached Leinster to two Heineken Cup wins in 2011 and 2012 and this weekend they take on Biarritz in the final of the Amlin Cup. They are also in the last four of the PRO 12.