I’m up for Lions’ No.9 challenge, insistsWebb
HE concedes he will start the Lions tour in the underdog’s kennel, which isn’t a residence that he is accustomed to occupying.
But Rhys Webb is vying for a Test spot with Conor Murray, the player Warren Gatland previously suggested improved more than any other on the trip to Australia in 2013.
Murray is good. He is tough, physical, has an accomplished kicking game and boasts a win over the All Blacks this season. But Webb isn’t bad himself and he will not be going to New Zeland to make up the numbers.
For a start, such a practice isn’t in his nature.
Indeed, if there is a book of phrases to be found in Webb’s home in Bridgend, the likelihood is ‘making up the numbers’ has a line drawn straight through it. It just isn’t what Webb is about. In Ireland for the Pro12 awards evening, he was asked by a local journalist whether he would have an advantage over Murray in terms of how Warren Gatland plays the game. “No, not really,” replied Webb. “Conor’s been there and done it before, hasn’t he? He’s been a Lion before, so I’m kinda the underdog, I suppose. I’m looking forward to it, I love the challenge.
“I’m not just going to go there and give him a pat on the back and wish him all the best for the Test match. I’m going to go there to push him.
“We’ve the end-of-season Pro12 games coming up first, but it starts from day one in the camp.”
Murray excelled in Australia four years ago, playing so well he earned lavish post-tour praise from Gatland, who throws around bouquets about as often as Theresa May gives a straight answer to a straight question.
He and Webb will meet up on the pitch when the Ospreys and Munster clash in Thomond Park in the Pro12 semi-finals on May 20, with the Welshman acknowledging the strengths of his rival’s game. “Conor’s a big threat,” said Webb. “He has a great kicking game and that’s something Munster did quite a lot against Saracens recently in the Champions Cup off him. They kicked around 40 times off nine.
“He’s also a threat when he needs to be a threat, so he’s a world-class player. There’s also Greig Laidlaw in the mix for the Lions.
“I get on well with them both but I’m looking forward to the battle next week and then looking forward to working with them. Hopefully, we can bring the best out of each other during what is going to be a very tough tour. Hopefully, we can bring the best out of each other and the best out of the team to get a result.”
Webb’s form for the Ospreys and Wales has led to him rivals targeting him, with opposition players frequently to be heard shouting “get 9! get 9!” when he plays. It isn’t a situation that would appeal to everyone, but the combative and competitive former understudy deputy to Justin Marshall, Mike Phillips and Kahn Fotuali’i minds not a jot.
“It’s getting louder and louder every game, with everyone saying it of late. But it’s something I enjoy,” he said.
“It’s a compliment, isn’t it? It’s something I love, people targeting me.
“Then when you get through it’s kinda ‘’ave that.’”
The Ospreys are long-odds outsiders against Munster in the play-offs, but Webb isn’t bothered.
“The last couple of games have been up and down — we had that losing streak before playing well against Ulster, then dipped against the Scarlets.
“It’s fine margins really, nothing major. We start afresh now. We’re where we want to be and still have a place in that semi-final in Thomond Park. Everyone’s looking forward to it.” Outsiders sometimes come good. Webb certainly believes as much.