Daily Express

Webb’s staying grounded

- Alex Bywater

RHYS WEBB knows better than most that at rugby’s highest level, it is best not to look too far ahead.

The Wales scrum-half missed the 2015 World Cup with a foot injury and then suffered a further ankle blow in the heavy November defeat by Australia.

It means the Ospreys star is used to time on the sidelines but, as the Six Nations draws to a close and the Lions tour to New Zealand looms nearer, Webb is hitting form at the right time. Webb, 28, is establishe­d as Wales’ first-choice No9 and his man-of-the-match display in the 22-9 win over Ireland all but booked his place on the plane.

But Webb is not looking beyond tomorrow’s match. “The Lions would be the highlight, it is the pinnacle of anyone’s career, but I’ve not thought about it one bit and that’s genuine,” he said.

“You see the promo videos but, from a personal point of view, it is something I can’t look at too much because I know what it’s like to miss out on these things.

“I just go into each game looking to enjoy it – and the more I enjoy it, the better I play. Whatever happens, happens. If it does, then happy days, but I am not going to count on anything.”

France are up next, with coach Rob Howley once again naming an unchanged side for Paris. A Wales win and an English Grand Slam in Dublin would see Wales move into the world’s top four for the first time.

 ?? Main picture: PAUL HARDING ?? ON TRACK: Mike Brown practises his goalkeepin­g skills STARTER’S ORDERS: Vunipola will go at it from the off against Ireland WEBB: First-choice No9
Main picture: PAUL HARDING ON TRACK: Mike Brown practises his goalkeepin­g skills STARTER’S ORDERS: Vunipola will go at it from the off against Ireland WEBB: First-choice No9

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom