Sporting Digest: Rugby Union

WALES lost their World Cup points record after only a day when Italy crushed the Czech Republic 104-8 in a central European zone qualifier in Viadana last night. The Welsh beat Portugal in a west European qualifier 102-11 on Tuesday.

MARK TAYLOR, the Pontypool centre, is set to change his mind on a planned switch to Harlequins, despite playing in one Quins club match after getting an accountant's job in London.

TOUR MATCHES (Napier, NZ): Hawkes Bay 14 Tonga 14. (Paeroa, NZ): Thames Valley 16 Fiji 35.