KEV KICKS OFF

I HAVE got to say well done to Rob Howley on ignoring all the media and TV pundits trying to get him to drop George North, Dan Biggar etc. Howley didn’t drop anyone and gave them all a chance to redeem themselves and they all did, especially George North, with a fantastic game.

Wales were superb last Friday night, beating Ireland 22-9 at the Principality Stadium. There was a fantastic atmosphere there and it was great to see a minute’s applause for Elli Norkett who tragically died two weeks ago. Wales played a fast, open game and a lot of players stood out – Rhys Webb was outstanding again and has got to be a Test certainty for the Lions tour. He was full of energy and dictated the speed of play for Wales. I honestly think Wales will have seven or eight in the Lions party. Sam Warburton and North were also immense against Ireland. Warburton seems to be back to his best maybe now he’s not captain. I do agree with Martyn Williams saying don’t give the Lions captaincy to Sam Warburton. Sam is playing some of the best rugby of his life and is looking a cert for the Lions.

This week, we go to Paris to take on the mighty French – another big challenge for us! The French are playing some great rugby this season under Guy Noves the former Toulouse coach. They have got a massive pack of forwards and strongrunning backs. We are going to have to play a hightempo game as the French are never the fittest of teams. So, hopefully, we will blow them away in the second half.

I was shocked to see two giant teams in the French Top 14 are going to merge next season. Stade Francais and Racing are great teams based in Paris and are always competitive. QUESTION: What do you think the results will be this week in the Six Nations?

I think England will beat Ireland in a close game. I think the injury-hit Scots will beat the poor Italians and I think we will beat the French if we play like we did against Ireland.

Good luck to all players with a last chance to impress Lions selectors!