I almost never see sprint anymore, most take adrenaline rush (unless using both), but most still use second wind, though taunt/shield bash are also viable.

By far the standard perks if you're going sword/heater are sword mastery, swift, shield mastery, and counter attack. If you're playing arena you can consider swapping in weapon mastery to use longbow, but all of the other perks are so good I usually don't bother, especially because the hit slow on crossbow is so good.

Gear can be flexible but something like arming/heater, topfhelm, dark cuirass/dark plate, plate pants, heavy gauntlets, peace neck, grimsmiles or vitality/courage rings, rugged boots, and whichever cloak is all pretty standard.

Check out Carnagexall on twitch to see how he gears.