Scott Gibbs hit back at his critics after spearheading Wales to a 33-23 Six Nations' triumph over Italy in Rome yesterday. Gibbs scored two tries in a man-of-the-match display in front of the Lions selectors at the Stadio Flaminio yesterday. The Swansea centre then responded to his detractors, who had questioned whether he should make the trip to Australia this summer after his ineffectual performance against France last month.
"Other people have doubted my ability, but I never did," said Gibbs, who took his try tally for his country to 10 in 53 matches. He added: "I did not play well in Paris, and after that this Lions thing was whipped up. But I don't think the selection will be based on one performance. I think I have had a good season overall. I was pleased with my performance against the Italians, although the tries do not mean much because all I had to do was catch the ball. Now it is just a question of waiting for the Lions squad to be picked, but I am not going to let that occupy my thoughts with Swansea chasing a league and cup double."
Gibbs grabbed his opener after 30 minutes when powering over from close range after taking a pass from number eight Scott Quinnell. The 30-year-old added his second 10 minutes after the interval, again from just a couple of metres out after Italy had foolishly conceded a scrum close to their line.
Welsh and Lions coach Graham Henry added: "Scott showed his character. He is a big-time footballer. He has been under pressure this week but he will be delighted with the way he played." Scrum-half Gareth Cooper opened the scoring for Wales with a try just seven minutes into his debut. The Bath player discovered he would be winning a first cap only four hours before the game after Rob Howley was forced to pull out of what would have been his 50th appearance because of a back injury. Cooper's final display also drew praise from Henry, although the 21-year-old did take a heavy knock during the game.
Out-half Neil Jenkins kicked 18 points, and the victory took Wales into second place in the championship - one point ahead of Ireland whom they will meet in Dublin when the Six Nations resumes this autumn after the break caused by the foot-and-mouth crisis. Jenkins' tally set a new championship record of 74 points for Wales - 10 more than his previous best from 1999. It was also the first time in 22 years Wales have gone four away championship matches without defeat. (PA)
Filed by Shane Murray
