It’s a while yet until the Guinness PRO14 commences but before then the World Cup will inevitably throw up all sorts of fascinating battles between Championship stars.

Many Guinness PRO14 players will battle against each other in Japan but prior to then squad competition is fierce – we take a look here at Ireland’s fly-half contest – while there is plenty of Guinness PRO14 interest in the Pacific Nations Cup where Fiji take on Samoa.

These two countries have been contesting the 14th edition of the PNC and meet in Suva on Saturday, throwing up a potential clash between Fiji’s Big Bill Mata and Cardiff Blues’ all-action centre Rey Lee-Lo, of Samoa.

Both enjoyed superb campaigns last time out, Edinburgh’s Mata claiming the Guinness PRO14 Players’ Player of the Season award and Lee-Lo aging like a fine wine with the Blues – the Pacific Islanders are two of the hardest hitters around.

Aside from the difference in position Lee-Lo and Mata will likely spearhead their sides’ challenges on Saturday, as they’ve been doing in recent years for their clubs.