Rhys Webb did not anticipate quick return for Wales as France looms

Rhys Webb will complete a stunning recovery from serious injury when he lines up tonight as the Wales scrum-half against Six Nations opponents France.

It is barely nine months since the Ospreys player suffered a major knee injury and had surgery.

But after returning to action in November, two months ahead of schedule, Webb has now taken the Wales’ No 9 shirt from Mike Phillips, who will be on the bench when France arrive at the Millennium Stadium.

“I definitely didn’t see this happening when I picked up the injury,” Webb said of his return to the national side.

“I had a timescale that I would be back the end of January. Fair play to the physios and conditioning staff at the Ospreys for getting me back earlier and enabling me to get a good run of games in.

“I’ve put in a lot of work for this and I’m really glad to be here now. It’s very special. My phone has been going mad and I just can’t wait to get out there.

“My friends and family have been massive to me through tough times, with my injuries, and stood by me. It’s going to be great to see them there, singing the anthem. It will be a dream come true, really.”

Elsewhere, Brian O’Driscoll has beaten his stomach bug in time to equal George Gregan’s world-record 139 caps in Ireland’s match against England at Twickenham tomorrow. The centre will match the former Wallabies scrum-half Gregan’s total as Ireland field an unchanged line-up from their impressive 26-3 thumping of Wales two weeks ago.

England have recalled the tighthead prop David Wilson and included the uncapped outside-half George Ford on the bench. Wilson went into the starting XV after Dan Cole was ruled out with a season-ending neck injury.

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