Richard Hibbard denies referee ‘conmen’ jibe

Wales’ dominance at the scrum was key to their record 30-3 success in Cardiff nine days ago, with Walsh awarding the home side a slew of penalties and free-kicks at the set-piece.

England have since asked the International Rugby Board for “clarification” of certain areas of Walsh’s performance, including his officiating at the scrum. Forwards coach Graham Rowntree was particularly outspoken in his criticism, and it has also been said Wales privately admitted to collapsing the scrum themselves on six occasions.

Ospreys No 2 Hibbard, who could yet work with Rowntree on this summer’s Lions tour, refused to be drawn into a slanging match on the subject when asked for his opinion, but rejected any suggestion of Welsh skullduggery. He said: “I can’t comment on that (Rowntree’s remarks), but no-one would be happy to lose a game that heavily and get dominated at the set-piece. He is looking out for his players ahead of their next game. I would like to think we are the most honest scrum around, so to say they were conned is just water off a duck’s back for us.”

Meanwhile, Newport Gwent Dragons coach Darren Edwards believes Dan Lydiate still has enough time to book his place on the Lions tour, and will allow the Wales flanker to play “until he drops” to help him make the trip Down Under.

Lydiate, the player of the 2012 Six Nations, made his return from six months out after breaking and dislocating his ankle against the Ospreys on Friday night. The 25-year-old played the first 40 minutes of the 52-19 defeat before being withdrawn as planned at half-time, having not taken a full part in training during the build-up.

There are only four games of the season left for Lydiate to show he is ready to be selected in Warren Gatland’s touring party, but Edwards is confident the tough-tackling back-rower has enough time to prove his readiness. He said: “A month is enough time for a player of Dan’s quality to prove himself worthy of a Lions spot. He has worked very hard and all he needs is to blow away the  cobwebs. I am sure Warren Gatland knows what balance of team he wants and knows that Dan, with his hard hitting and physicality, would have stood out for Wales against England.”