In pics: team-by-team guide to the Aviva Premiership 2010-11.

Sale Sharks boss Mike Brewer has backed James Gaskell to be "a real success" after appointing him as the club's youngest ever captain.

Australia get a second bite at the cherry in ending their Highveld hoodoo when they tackle South Africa in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

South Africa assistant coach Dick Muir has backed former IRB Player of the Year Bryan Habana to recover from his recent slump soon.

Munster get their Munsters League campaign underway at Musgrave Park on Saturday with a clash against newcomers Aironi.

Piri Weepu is likely to be handed the kicking duties when the All Blacks take on Australia at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on September 11.

Andy Powell is relishing a new lease of life with former English and European champions Wasps, admitting: "It's like I'm 20 again".

Almost a third of skysports.com readers believe Leicester are capable of retaining the Aviva Premiership this season.

Adam D'Arcy will get a chance to prove he is worth a full-time deal after being named in the Ulster side to face the Ospreys on Friday.

Munster will be the huge favourites when they begin their Magners League campaign against new boys Aironi on Saturday.

Ospreys Head Coach Sean Holley has taunted rival, Cardiff Blues boss Dai Young on the eve of the new Magners League Rugby season.

Bath have completed the signing of Jacques Boussuge after the France Sevens international impressed on trial.

Stephen Ferris admits that expectations are high at Ulster after they brought in a number of influential players during the off-season.

Heinke van der Merwe and Isaac Boss have been included in Leinster's line-up for the Magners League opener against Glasgow.

The new Aviva Premiership season will get underway as Sale Sharks host Newcastle at Edgeley Park on Friday.

New signings Heinke van der Merwe and Isaac Boss have been included in Leinster's squad for Friday's Magners League opener against Glasgow.

Australian flyer James O'Connor says he is relishing his new role for the Wallabies after he was recently moved onto the wing.

Leicester have agreed to sign second row Ben Gulliver on a three-month loan deal from Cornish Pirates.

Newcastle have handed a debut to fly-half Jeremy Manning as they kick off the new Aviva Premiership season at Sale on Friday.

Drew Mitchell believes all the signs are there for Australia to claim victory over South Africa and is hoping their plans will finally come together.