British & Irish Lions hooker Richard Hibbard has spoken of his admiration for Graham Rowntree ahead of Wales’ trip to face England at Twickenham on Sunday.
Rowntree was forwards coach for the victorious Lions last summer and worked closely with Hibbard, who started the decisive final Test in Sydney.
The two are on opposite sides on Sunday however – hooker Hibbard lining up for Wales while Rowntree will perform the role of forwards coach for England.
Twelve months ago, Wales romped to a 30-3 victory over England and Hibbard and co were crucial in laying the platform by dominating Rowntree’s men up front.
But Hibbard is expecting a far more formidable challenge this weekend.
“He will drill them hard and they will want a physical encounter,” he said.
“He’s a true rugby man who is passionate about what he does.
“He loves everything about scrummaging and is proper old school and I enjoyed working with him.
“A front row is like a Rubik’s Cube, you keep trying to work it out, but it keeps changing.
“That’s what we have to do. There are new laws and we have to do different things.”
