Huw Bennett out to make up for Dublin misery

Mar 13 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

HUW BENNETT is one happy hooker as he looks ahead to Wales’ Grand Slam mission against France.

The Ospreys tight forward admits he’s hugely relieved to have made the starting line-up after missing out on last weekend’s Triple Crown clincher in Dublin.

Bennett was originally chosen to pack down against the Irish, but was forced to withdraw on the day of the match due to a heavy bout of flu.

That opened the door for Matthew Rees to step up from the bench and the Scarlet had a fine game, hitting his targets at the line-outs and showing up well in the loose. So the fit-again Bennett faced an anxious wait to see who would get the nod at No 2 for this Saturday’s Six Nations finale at the Millennium Stadium.

In the end, that wait had a welcome conclusion for him, with coach Warren Gatland reverting to the Ebbw Vale-born 24-year-old.

“I’m delighted to get straight back in,” said Bennett.

“It was fantastic to hear my name read out. It’s a great feeling.

“I wasn’t 100 per cent expecting it because I was ill at the weekend, but once I heard it, I just thought ‘right, heads on, let’s get on with it.’

“I’m really excited. It’s a massive game for us. To have any involvement is great, but to be starting is even better.”

The 17-times capped Bennett is now fully recovered from the flu bug that laid him low out in Ireland.

“I had a bit of a rough weekend,” he admitted. “I felt like I was at death’s door.

“But I’m over it now and I feel a lot better.

“I’m just looking forward to what’s going to be a really big occasion. There is going to be that extra edge there this week.

“There is always intensity in training, but you can’t get away from the fact that it is for a Grand Slam this time.

“The team selection has been made now and everyone is going to be working together, whether or not they are starting, to make sure the 15 on the field and then the replacements who come on can give their best.”

Commenting on the team he will be up against, Bennett said, “France seem to have gone back for experience.

“They are bringing some old heads back in, so it’s going to be good.”

Even if they lose on Saturday, Wales would be likely to have the consolation of lifting the Six Nations trophy, as reigning champions France need to win by 20 points to retain the title.

But Bennett insists the hosts are only thinking of winning and sealing the Grand Slam.

“We are not worried about points or anything like that,” he said.

“We will be going out there and simply looking to win a game of rugby and win in style again.

“To get the Grand Slam would be an amazing feeling.”