Wales scrum-half Rees hoping to keep Lions pair at bay

RICHIE REES could have been excused a double-take as he prepared to embark on the biggest week of his rugby life.

Despite being strongly backed to make a first Wales start against Six Nations opponents France on Friday night, Rees knew he could take nothing for granted until coach Warren Gatland’s team announcement.

And then, just when his waiting game threatened to become unbearable, in walked probably the last two people on the planet he wanted to see – Lions scrum-halves Mike Phillips and Dwayne Peel.