Wales flanker Josh Navidi was named man of the match against Italy and the Cardiff Blues man looks back to his best after suffering from concussion problems.
This might be a new era for Wales under Wayne Pivac, but his troops certainly know how to win a Six Nations title – and the experience within their ranks will be crucial as they target a Grand Slam this weekend.
One such player who will surely play a crucial part against France will be Josh Navidi. With him back in the side, Wales look all the better for it as well.
The Cardiff Blues flanker returned at the beginning of this year after a four-month absence due to concussion, but his performances, combined with Wales looking incredibly well balanced, leaves the nation on the brink of their second Grand Slam in three years.
Navidi only featured once in the 2020 Six Nations – his sole appearance coming against England at Twickenham – before the 30-year-old suffered a knock to the head in training which put his international career on hold.
The Wales back-row is now part of a group called Progressive Rugby which signed an open letter to World Rugby asking for changes to be made around player protection in relation to concussion.
“It’s all about player welfare and the ongoing research they’re looking to achieve,” Navidi told the press this week.
“It’s good to put my name to it and support them. The more research we can do, the better to benefit the future generations of the game, which includes supporters and players. It’s something which will be positive for the game.
“I’ve had concussion in the past. You know when you’re ready to be out on the park. I had a little bit of a headache, but that was coming from my neck which was a tight muscle. I could have possibly been back sooner, but these things add up and you don’t know what’s going on.
“You go through a long-winded process of ticking boxes, but it’s nice to be back on the pitch.”
"There's excitement in the camp – but it's very much contained," says Jonathan Humphreys ahead of Saturday's big game in France. #FRAvWAL ⑊ #GuinnessSixNations pic.twitter.com/Q4IF4WfpSf
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) March 17, 2021
In truth Navidi’s value to Wales shone through on his return to action for the Cardiff Blues back in January, and his impact from the bench against the Scarlets was a catalyst for some strong displays in this year’s Six Nations.
Navidi was named man of the match as Wales brushed Italy aside last weekend and his excellent display added to his appearances against England and Ireland, respectively.
Wales’ last successful Grand Slam attempt began in Paris two years ago when Warren Gatland’s side battled back from 16-0 down to clinch a dramatic victory over Les Bleus.
The spotlight will be on the French capital again as Pivac’s charges look to complete a job that many didn’t believe was possible before the start of the championships.
Wales lost seven of their first 10 matches under Pivac’s stewardship, but Navidi and his team-mates will certainly prove the critics wrong if they add the Six Nations title to their Triple Crown.
“Getting a run of games and getting into the position we are in now, with four from four, has been fantastic,” Navidi added.
“Every week, you are looking to improve your own game and keep moving forward. We all know they [France] have got big strong men with a big and physical pack and a good driving line-out.
“They’ve got a bit about them attacking-wise as well. They’ve got an all-round game and it’s exciting to go out there on Saturday with it all to play for.
“We’re looking forward to it. We know it’s going to be a big challenge, but hopefully we can get the win.”
