Johnson tips Hill for captain

England coach Clive Woodward is expected to announce his initial Six Nations training squad this week, and speculation over the identity of Martin Johnson's successor as captain was heightened when Johnson revealed his preference for Saracens flanker Richard Hill.

Dallaglio remains the bookmakers' favourite, but he refused to comment on the England leadership question yesterday.

Harlequins are all but assured of a place in the Parker Pen Cup semi-finals, but Saracens must overturn a 16-point deficit against fancied Montferrand if they are to join their London rivals in the last four of Europe's second-tier competition.

Quins were impressive as they trounced Brive 41-8 in Saturday's first leg at The Stoop, while Sarries were grateful for lock forward Simon Raiwalui's late try as they went down 26-10 in Montferrand yesterday.

Both second legs will take place next Sunday, and automatic qualification into next season's Heineken Cup is a lucrative prize awaiting the eventual winner of a competition which, by this stage, loses little by comparison with its 'big brother'.

George Harder, Harlequins' explosive Samoan wing, grabbed two fine tries while hooker Tani Fuga and utility back Simon Keogh also crossed for crowdpleasing scores. Fly-half Paul Burke, meanwhile, collected 21 points in what head coach Mark Evans described as "a masterclass in goal-kicking".