Ross Moriarty believes he has a successful RBS 6 Nations with Wales to thank for his call-up to the British & Irish Lions for their tour of New Zealand this summer.
The 23-year-old started all five of Wales’ matches during the Championship from No.8, even after Taulupe Faletau’s recovery from a knee injury, with his powerful tackling and broken play running making him a key player.
His performance against England, who he represented at Under-20 level, in Round Two, in particular, earned him plenty of praise during what was an epic clash at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.
Moriarty said: “That was probably the best 60 minutes I’ve ever had. I’d been looking forward to that game for a long time.
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“I knew if I put a performance in and was able to replicate that in every game I would have every chance of going on the Lions tour.
“I did feel my performances over the Six Nations were up there with the best back-row performances in the tournament.”
The Gloucester man’s form eventually enough to earn him a place in Warren Gatland’s 41-man Lions squad, where he will be the youngest member of the back row.
Competition will be fierce in that department for a starting spot in the Test series against the All Blacks, but Moriarty’s reputation for putting in strong tackles on his opponents could give him an advantage.
Moriarty added: “As soon as I cross the line, that is when I am no longer your friend.
“Before the game I will speak to you and have plenty of respect, but it is different when you cross the line.
“I definitely express myself in a physical way. That is what I have always enjoyed doing. I am not an aggressive person off the pitch.
“Coming out on top of anyone is a good feeling. It is definitely a big knock to me if I am not winning collisions.
“That’s what I do, I have to win collisions as a back-rower. It is a big part of my game.”
