Hibbard plays down Lions talk

Richard Hibbard is refusing to think about a potential Lions tour and will continue to his body on the line. [more]

Hibbard plays down Lions talk

Richard Hibbard is refusing to think about a potential Lions tour and will continue to his body on the line.

The Wales hooker has been tipped for a place in Warren Gatland’s squad after a string of impressive performances during the RBS 6 Nations.

But he insists he will not to get ahead of himself and will instead focus on regional duty with the Ospreys.

“The Lions is something you try not to think about, the way my body goes it could break down at any time so it is about pushing for the play-offs with the Ospreys.”

The sight of the long blond-haired hooker hurling himself into defenders or making bone-crunching tackles became a feature of Wales’ Championship success.

With a Lions tour on the horizon a player could be forgiven for easing up but Hibbard has vowed to maintain his high-risk game.

"The day I stop throwing myself into challenges will be the day I finish, that is my game I cannot move away from it."

Next up for the Ospreys star is a Welsh derby with fierce rivals Cardiff Blues at the Millennium Stadium.

The 29-year-old is looking forward to returning to the scene of his greatest triumph and he is confident the Swansea-based region can go on to defend their PRO12 crown.

"We know at the Millennium Stadium it will be a great atmosphere and the Blues will be tough.

“Welsh rugby is on a high so hopefully it will be a good crowd and two good games. The stadium was magical last week with the lights going out but we are under no illusions we are going there to do a job and push for a play-off place.

"We beat the Heineken Cup champions last year, those last two games in the play-offs are cup rugby and I think we will perform again, but we have to get there first.

"I don't think many teams will want us in the knockout stages as you could see from last year. It will be tough but hopefully we can do as well as last year where we turned Munster over in the semis, no-one would want to face us home or away."

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