EUROPEAN SHIELD: Sale forward Pete Anglesea will play in tomorrow's shield clash with Connacht after winning his appeal against a 12-month ban imposed for eye-gouging.

Anglesea's sentence was overturned by a three-man Rugby Football Union appeal panel at Twickenham yesterday. He has been named by the Heywood Road club for this weekend's game.

The back-row forward was suspended by the RFU last month after he was cited by Newcastle following a first-minute incident involving Jon Dunbar in a Premiership match between the clubs on September 8th.

Newcastle boss Rob Andrew described the incident as "barbaric", but Sale immediately protested Anglesea's innocence and mounted an appeal on his behalf. A three-man RFU panel, chaired by Jeff Blackett, decided there was no evidence which proved Anglesea had acted deliberately.

The news will delight Sale, who are enjoying a successful Premiership campaign and are unbeaten in the shield competition. Anglesea is a key member of their side and was able to continue playing, pending his appeal hearing.

Dunbar required lengthy treatment, but was able to continue after being assessed by Newcastle's medical staff.

CURRIE CUP: Springbok captain Bob Skinstad will head the cream of South African rugby union in the Currie Cup final between defending champions Western Province and Natal Sharks tomorrow.

The match features 15 of the 28-strong Springbok squad, with Western Province fielding eight of them, including Skinstad, in their attempt to land a record 31st title.

Western Province won last year's encounter 25-15, but this match promises to be closer given the increased maturity of the Sharks in their third consecutive final.

Durban-based Sharks, with seven Springboks in their ranks, are in their first full season under their coach Rudolf Straeuli. He has recaptured the glory days of Natal rugby after the void left by the departure of former coach Ian McIntosh, who brought four Currie Cups to the province.

TWICKENHAM: A High Court judge has thrown out a bid by the RFU to stage an unlimited number of concerts at Twickenham. Justice Ouseley ruled yesterday the RFU could not receive a change of use certificate for Twickenham because it did not have a roof like a proper music venue. The decision is a blow to the RFU's long legal battle to gain approval to host an unlimited number of major concerts and shows at the ground.