Just as one Quinnell passes, another bursts on to the scene. Gavin Quinnell, youngest brother of Scott, scored a late try to put the Llanelli Scarlets into the final of the Celtic Cup at Lansdowne Road next weekend at the expense of the Neath-Swansea Ospreys. Quinnell's surge over the line was the game-breaker in a 23-15 win for the Scarlets at Stradey Park. They will play the winners of today's semi-final between Leinster and Munster at Lansdowne Road.

The semi-finalists for the Super 12 are starting to shape up - and the ACT Brumbies, reigning champions, will not be among them. Their outside hopes evaporated when the Waikato Chiefs hit back from 28-14 down to clinch a 28-28 draw. The Bulls' 23-17 win over their South African rivals, the Natal Sharks, puts fourth beyond the Brumbies. The NSW Waratahs, the Canterbury Crusaders and the Wellington Hurricanes are guaranteed spots, and, with one week to go, the fourth is a race between the Bulls, who currently hold it, the Otago Highlanders and the Auckland Blues.