THE WEEK AHEAD: MAIN EVENTS

TOMORROW

Rugby Union: England A v USA XV at Northampton. England have renewed strength in the side now, with Paul Grayson and Will Greenwood returning after injury. This match, followed by Saturday's Twickenham international, could be a guide to England's World Cup squad, which will be announced at the end of the month.

WEDNESDAY

Triathlon: Bournemouth Beach Duathlon Series on West Beach. The fourth in a five-race series, the duathlon is considered good training for the triathlon. It comprises of a 500m swim followed by a 6km run. All the competitors start together, irrespective of age and sex. Athletes can compete as individuals or as part of a team, with the three fastest scores counting. The reigning world junior champion, Tim Don from West London, will be one of the favourites, racing for the Sigma sports team. Christina Squires is the women's favourite, competing with the Tri UK Inc team. The final race is in two weeks' time.

THURSDAY

Cricket: The fourth Test between England and New Zealand at The Oval. England scraped through with a draw at Old Trafford in the third Test when Alec Stewart's 83 not out, before the rain came to the rescue, was their only redeeming quality. A subsequent shake-up in the selection process and five changes in the team are unlikely to produce instant results for England against a New Zealand side whose earlier efforts fully entitle them to start as the favourites to take the series which is tied at 1- 1.

SATURDAY

Athletics: World Championships in Seville, Spain. Our new breed of sprinters will undoubtedly do us proud but victory over the world record holder Maurice Greene seems unlikely. Realistic gold medal hopes rest with Colin Jackson (110m hurdles), Steve Smith (high jump), Jonathan Edwards (triple jump), Ashia Hansen (triple jump), Denise Lewis (heptathlon) and, if the Americans are over-confident, the men's 4x100m relay team. The former Gladiator contender, Chris Rawlinson, could be a surprise medallist in the 400m hurdles after running the third-fastest British time ever at the recent Zurich meeting, while the consistent Paula Radcliffe surely deserves a medal in the 10,000m.

Rugby Union: England take on the USA at Twickenham as part of their preparation for the forthcoming world cup. The USA are not renowned for their rugby prowess even though they won two Olympic gold medals in the early part of the century. Wales, steadily growing in confidence as the World Cup draws near, play Canada in Cardiff. Expectation in the principality has been feverish since the victory over South Africa and the excellent Five Nations win over England and Canada should not pose too much of a problem for Rob Howley's side. Argentina, who visit Murrayfield, are likely to prove stiffer opposition for Scotland.

Football: Watford v Bradford City. Both of these newly promoted clubs will see this as a perfect opportunity to get the much needed three points to help ensure their Premiership survival prospects. Watford's win at Anfield will give them the psychological edge but Bradford have already proved that they are a difficult side to break down.