Here are today's Six Nations and general rugby headlines on Thursday, March 24.
Brown backs England to avoid 'unthinkable'
England international Mike Brown believes England will be too powerful for Wales on Saturday, describing the prospect of losing to them at Twickenham as "unthinkable".
Brown says Wales will not be able to match the English pack, predicting a home win in the vital Six Nations encounter.
Whichever side loses will see their title hopes ended, and Brown is confident that won't be Eddie Jones' men.
He had already thrown down the gauntlet previously by claiming not a single member of the Wales side would get into England's XV.
"I just think the English forwards will dominate the Welsh forwards, with all due respect. I just think they have got too much up front," he told the BBC Scrum V podcast.
"I think they will be too strong and too powerful up front and I think that will help them get the ball they need to release those outside backs.
"Losing to Wales is just unthinkable as an English player because of the rivalry. It was for me anyway and I'm sure the other players feel the same. Especially at home as well. You don't want to lose at home. I've done that before and it's not a good feeling losing to Wales at Twickenham.
"I think the Twickenham factor is a huge one. Wales are a different beast away from the Principality and they don't have that crowd to give them energy and lift them so that will be in England's favour."
Tuilagi and Faletau set to start
Wales and England officially announce their teams today, but some of the big decisions have already emerged.
WalesOnline reported the expected Wales team on Wednesday evening, after earlier revealing Louis Rees-Zammit has been axed from the match squad.
Taulupe Faletau is set to start after just two games back from a seven-month injury, while England will make a bold call of their own by thrusting Manu Tuilagi straight into their side, according to the Telegraph.
They say he will play in between Marcus Smith and Henry Slade, with Ben Youngs and Jack Nowell both also starting in the backline.
Jones and Pivac announce at 11.30am and you can follow the news live here.
Sexton set for return
Captain Johnny Sexton insists competition for Ireland's number 10 jersey is nothing new as he battles to regain his starting spot.
The 36-year-old is hoping for a recall for Sunday's Six Nations clash with Italy after overcoming the minor hamstring issue which kept him out of the 30-24 defeat to France.
Joey Carbery deputised in Paris and staked his claim to retain the role by producing another assured performance following impressive displays last summer and in the autumn.
Veteran Sexton has been his country's leading fly-half for more than a decade and is not fazed by the latest threat to his position.
"Look, I'm well used to competition, I've had it my whole career," he said.
"Early doors with Ronan O'Gara and Felipe (Contepomi) in Ireland and in Leinster. And then, when you get the jersey, you have always someone else that you're competing with.
"Over the years (there has been) Ian Madigan, Ian McKinley, Paddy Jackson, Joey.
"Joey's been around a long time. He's 26 now so I've been used to it for the last five years. It's nothing new, nothing's changed for me.
"What's important to me is to make sure I prepare as best as I can. There's no point in worrying too much about what other people are doing.
"Of course, I respect all other 10s. You just have to focus on yourself and make sure you're fit and firing when you do get the chance to play."
Former Wales and Lions star joins Cardiff RFC
Former Wales and Lions lock Ian Evans has joined Cardiff RFC as forwards coach.
He fills in for Craig Everett, who is with Wales U20s for the duration of the Six Nations, and will also head up the U16s North set-up for the season.
The 33-times capped former Ospreys player has previously held coaching roles with Treorchy RFC and the Dragons.
Gruff Rees said: “It’s great to welcome Ian Evans into the set-up. As a former Wales international, he has a wealth of top class experience to bring into the group but also has a great personality and bags of energy."
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