KEV KICKS OFF

I SEE Rob Howley is naming his team on Thursday for the Italian game, they usually name the team early but it’s a Sunday game and I think they are giving Faletau more time as he’s struggling with injury and is a doubt to make the match-day squad.

I do agree with giving him more time to be fit as he is a world-class no 8 when he’s fit.

The Ospreys beat a fullstrength Bristol team at the Brewery field in front of more than 3,000 people. The Ospreys fielded a young team and just about held on for the win; Rhys Webb playing helped with a bigger crowd and it would be nice to see more Ospreys games there as the atmosphere is always better than the Liberty Stadium!

It was sad to see my old rugby league team Bridgend Blue Bulls losing 116-0 in the Challenge Cup against London chargers.

It’s sad to hear my good mate Gerald Mcarthy has left the South Wales Ironmen and his position as chief executive. Lee Byrne is still there as director of rugby and I doubt if he will be happy with the performance against the NW Crusaders up in Wrexham, losing 22-6.

Cardiff City were unlucky to lose 2-1 against high-flyers Reading. Warnock has said he can’t see any more signings this season but says he needs 4/5 players next year, especially a goal scorer.

Last Saturday I watched Aberavon v Llandovery in the Swalec Cup. World Cup referee Nigel Owens was in charge and it was a fast open game.

It’s good to see Warren Gatland come out publicly and say no Welsh players are guaranteed to go on the 2017 Lions tour if they’re not performing at the highest level. Even if he’s Welsh coach they have to earn the call-up.

I would say only Alun Wyn Jones is a cert if he keeps injury free, but I can see 6/7 Welsh boys going but the pressure is on. Q. What you think the Wales team will be against Italy if everyone fit? A. 15 Halfpenny 14 North 13 Jon Davies 12 Scott Williams 11 Liam Williams 10 Biggar 9 Webb/G.Davies 1 Rob Evans 2 Owens 3 Lee 4 Ball 5 Alun Wyn 6 Warburton 7 Tipuric 8 Moriarty.