The head coach was a former openside flanker for the British and Irish Lions.

BBC: Rennie signs extension until 2010

Welsh coach Warren Gatland has revealed the importance of the veteran openside flanker to his country.

BBC: Williams to miss cup semi-final

Alan MacDonald wins his first cap at openside flanker and Ben Cairns starts at outside centre, with Alex Grove moving to inside centre.

BBC: MacDonald to make Scotland debut

The promising openside flanker is joined by versatile back John Houston and scrum half Greig Laidlaw in signing up for a further two years.

BBC: Rennie signs extension until 2010

The 22-year-old openside flanker made his Edinburgh debut against Ulster in January and has been playing his club rugby for West of Scotland this term.

BBC: Grant secures deal with Edinburgh

But after a return to form at the end of the season coach Warren Gatland has rewarded the 28-year-old with a shock recall as openside flanker.

BBC: Jones to 'make most' of comeback

The visitors were reduced to 14 men when England international Chris Jones, playing at openside flanker, was yellow carded for pulling down a rolling maul 10 metres from his own line.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | English | Bristol 15-9 Sale

Despite losing openside flanker Will Skinner shortly before kick-off - he complained of a dizzy spell having suffered a head injury last weekend - the hosts struck first when Evans stroked over a fourth-minute penalty.

BBC: Harlequins 26-13 Northampton

Dallaglio has returned but has not shown the sharpness he had before his injury, Richard Hill could fit in with Magne moving to openside flanker, and South Africa and New Zealand now seem to be finding replacements for their old giants at the back of the pack although the remaining members of the eight are not so strong as once was.

BBC: Who makes the World XV?