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	France Six Nations Favourites at Sportsbet!
France have been installed as $2.40 favourite by online bookmaker Sportsbet to win the 2012 Six-Nations Rugby Championship ahead of Wales ($4.00), defending champions England and Ireland (both $5.00).

Rugby Union

Best odds for 2012 Six Nations
FRANCE	2.3
WALES	4.2
IRELAND	5.1
ENGLAND	5.7

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New Hurricanes set for Super Rugby debut

WELLINGTON, Feb 3 AAP – The Hurricanes begin life without many of their All Blacks stars when they tackle the Blues in a Super Rugby warm-up match in Whangarei on Saturday.

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Ireland, Wales in Six Nations opener

LONDON, Feb 2 AP – Just one weekend of Six Nations action could demonstrate whether Ireland or Wales is best placed to challenge for the title, if France is stronger now the players are talking to their coach, and whether the promise of an inexperienced England squad can yield instant results.

All Black Cruden back to face Rebels

WELLINGTON, Feb 2 AAP – All Blacks five-eighth Aaron Cruden will play his first rugby match since injuring his knee in the World Cup final when he turns out for the Chiefs in their Super Rugby warm-up against the Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

Aust-born Burton in Italy Six Nations side

ROME, Feb 1 AFP – Australian-born Kris Burton will line up at fly-half in Italy’s Six Nations opener against France in Paris.

Earls picked for Ireland Six Nations

DUBLIN, Feb 1 AP – Regular winger Keith Earls has been picked to replace Brian O’Driscoll in the Ireland midfield for the Six Nations opener against Wales at Lansdowne Road.

Wales' Rees ruled out of Six Nations game

CARDIFF, United Kingdom, Feb 1 AFP – Matthew Rees has been ruled out of contention for Wales’ Six Nations opener against Ireland after suffering a calf strain.

Wallabies warned of most gruelling season

Queensland’s Super Rugby-winning coach EWEN MCKENZIE has warned Wallabies players they’re facing the toughest and most mentally-taxing season of their lives.