Gaffney, who coached Munster for three years, believes winning the forwards battle is key to nullifying the threat of influential fly-half Ronan O'Gara.

BBC: Gaffney wary of Munster forwards

One source indicated that there are proposals, including an Alliance request to the Department of Culture, that the union flag fly on 1 July to mark the Battle of the Somme.

BBC: Northern Ireland

It became largely a battle between the two Shanes, Newport's Kiwi fly-half Howarth just shading his fellow international, Williams of Neath.

BBC: SPORT | WELSH-SCOTTISH RUGBY | Newport out-muscle the All Blacks