Fitzpatrick hails Welsh front-row

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Gerald Davies' tribute to Bleddyn Williams

New Zealand legend Sean Fitzpatrick has hailed Wales' front-row as outstanding performers against South Africa in the recent Lions tour.

The Lions turned to Matthew Rees and Adam Jones after the first Test defeat.

Fitzpatrick said: "I look at that Welsh front row of [Gethin] Jenkins, [Matthew] Rees and Adam Jones. It's a pity they didn't start the first Test."

He also praised half-backs Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones, while passionately backing the Lions concept.

"Those three [Welsh front-row players] especially [stood out for me] and we saw that especially when Jones came on and Rees played well - he's not the biggest of hookers - but he gets around and does the job.

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Sean Fitzpatrick?

"Your nine-10 pairing's fantastic. I thought Jones did really well at 10 under a huge amount of pressure, but did very well."

The tourists lost the Tests 2-1 against South Africa and debate continues over their role, largely due to the fact that they have not won a series since the 1997 trip there.

But Fitzpatrick said: "People are talking about abandoning the Lions and they don't deserve to be touring because they can't win a series - I just think that's total rubbish.

"I am a huge fan of the Lions. I was privileged to play against them and you only need to look at the support they get.

"To be at Loftus Versfeld, which is one of the great traditional grounds of the world and to see a sea of red there just shows what it means to the public in general and I think the Lions - especially on this [2009] tour - showed what it meant to them."

Fitzpatrick also heaped praise on Wales coach Warren Gatland, his long-term rival during their playing days, for his role with the Lions and Wales.

Gatland had stints with Ireland and Wasps before returning to New Zealand to coach Waikato, but was overlooked for a Super 14 job and was recruited by the Welsh Rugby Union.

Fitzpatrick said: "Gats is one that got away [from New Zealand] really. I was very surprised that New Zealand let him go, basically.

I'm disappointed he got away from New Zealand, but I'm thrilled for Gats Sean Fitzpatrick

"He went back to New Zealand to settle there and unfortunately couldn't get a Super 14 contract and came back over here.

"So it's a great opportunity for him. I think what he's done, he's instilled a bit of belief in these guys.

"They need to be fit, they need to be strong, they need to look like rugby players and they can win and they've shown that under his coaching.

"I'm disappointed he got away from New Zealand, but I'm thrilled for Gats.

"He's had a tremendous career to date as a coach, albeit a very young and very short career, but he's got a huge ability and he's a good man manager too.

"So he obviously did well on the Lions and I'm sure he's going to continue to do well for Wales."

*Sean Fitzpatrick pays tribute to a Welsh legend on Friday night in "Bleddyn Williams: Prince of Centres", BBC ONE Wales, 1930-2000 BST