KEV KICKS OFF
I HAVE got to say how much of a farce the last 20 minutes of the France v Wales game was. The game went nearly 100 minutes, which is mind blowing. It started with a Samson Lee’s yellow card. Then penalty after penalty for the French who were taking the scrums which were five metres out. Then there was replacement problems. A French prop needed a head injury assessment but was holding his groin. Then an allegation of biting from George North but no evidence from the TMO. France eventually scored and won the game 20-18 which puts Wales down to fifth in the Six Nations table which doesn’t look good. Let’s hope now we take a lot of youngsters on the summer tour and develop them for next season.
The Welsh coaches and players will be gutted with the loss against France and we didn’t score a try and only got a few chances to attack which is disappointing. All our points were kicks from Leigh Halfpenny. On the positive side, our defence has been immense and Shaun Edwards will be happy with the effort of all players. I thought there was some outstanding performances from Rhys Webb, Sam Warburton, George North, Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric. These five are definitely on that Lions tour if all stay injury free. It will be interesting which other players will join them. Ken Owens, Ross Moriarty, Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams, Dan Biggar etc.
It was great to see our Irish friends beat England and spoil the Grand Slam party and halt the unbeaten run. England won the championship but it could have been any team apart from Italy. I’m sure there will be a lot of English players in the Lions squad but I really can’t see captain Dylan Hartley going unless there’s a few injuries. Scotland beat Italy 29-0 in Edinburgh, scoring some nice tries. QUESTION: Do you think Rhys Webb will get player of tournament for the Six Nations?
He’s been outstanding and will get my vote but I think Stuart Hogg, Owen Farrell and French No 8 Louis Picamoles will be front runners too. Let’s hope the Welsh public vote and get Webby the trophy.