KEV KICKS OFF

THE big talk this week is all about the four Welsh boys Gareth Davies, Tomos Francis, Kristian Dacey and Corey Hill joining up with the Lions squad for cover in the game against Waikato Chiefs. He also called up two Scottish boys who were playing in Australia. Warren Gatland said it was easier to call these boys as the Welsh boys were in NZ rather than call up English players from Argentina. There’s been a lot of high profile rugby people not happy with the decision, saying they should have called the English boys last week.

The Lions seem to be improving every game. They were impressive against the Maoris, winning quite easy in the end and they were well in control against the Chiefs with a great forwards effort and a class game from Dan Biggar who gave Gats and Rob Howley something to think about. It would be tough to leave out Johnny Sexton or Owen Farrell as they are all world class on their day.

There’s been lots of speculation about Sam Warburton’s place in the back row. I honestly think Gatland will start him at No 7 and captain; Warburton was outstanding for Wales in the Six Nations and when he’s fit and gets a run of games he’s world class. I think Gatland’s team will be: Halfpenny, Watson, Davies, Farell, North, Sexton, Murray; Vunipola, George, Furlong, Itoje, Jones, O’Mahoney, Faletau, O’Brien. I would play Rhys Webb as he’s been sharper and is always a threat. Connor Murray is just a box-kicking scrum half but it’s been effective.

I’m hoping to join Allan Bateman, John Devs, Paul Yardley and a few friends from Warrington for a cup of coffee on Saturday morning to watch the game in a local pub.

Good luck to the Lions. QUESTION: Do you think we will beat All Blacks this Saturday?

I hope so and I think it will be close and the weather is supposed to be bad which will benefit our game with strong forward play and 9/10 kicking us in right areas to play. The All Blacks have got to be favourites with home advantage and I think they will beat us by 5-6 points but I hope I’m wrong.