Rees would accept another helping hand

Matthew Rees admits Wales will accept another ball boy scandal to beat Ireland.

Welsh sport has been reeling from the aftermath of Eden Hazard’s clash with teenager Charlie Morgan at Swansea City last week but the Wales hooker has been at the centre of his own ball boy controversy.

Rees was handed the wrong ball for a throw-in that set up Mike Phillips’ winning try over Ireland in 2011.

He said: “I would do it again if we could get away with it. I was given the ball, I passed it to Mike and he did the rest.

“The Irish boys kicked up a fuss but the try was awarded and the rest is history. It was about time something went our way. Normally things go against us but we were fortunate to get away with it and we went on to win.

“Hopefully it won’t take something like that to win the game this time.”

Rees faces a battle with Richard Hibbard for the Wales No 2 jersey but hopes to go head-to-head with Rory Best in Cardiff.

The duo have been touted as the main contenders for the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia and Rees is determined to lay down a marker.

Rees said: “Rory is one of the best hookers in European rugby and it would be great to face him if selected. He’s quite dominant at the set-piece. He excels at scrums and lineouts and is a threat around the field in terms of tackling and being a leader.

“But I’m looking forward to the challenge. There’s no better stage than the Six Nations. If you get the opportunity to start you have to take it and show what you can do. The championship will be key to the Lions and it all starts this weekend.”

Wales, who have won their last three clashes with Ireland, have crashed to seven consecutive defeats since sweeping all before them in last season’s championship.

But Rees is convinced the Dragons can roar again if they can provide the platform for their giant backs to fire.

He added: “We believe we’re good enough to win the Grand Slam again and it starts on Saturday. We have some talented backs and we have to give them a platform because we know how dangerous they can be.”