Magners League trio are world's best

The Magners League trio of Cardiff Blues loosehead Gethin Jenkins, Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees and Ospreys tighthead Adam Jones have been paid the ultimate compliment by a former team-mate and international adversary.

England veteran Phil Vickery believes Jenkins, Rees and Jones are without equal when it comes to the European and even world game.

Vickery has had plenty of first-hand experience playing with and against the trio, having faced them all for club and country and toured alongside them when the Lions travelled to South Africa last summer.

The 33-year-old World Cup winner, who is currently out of action following neck surgery, was talking prior to England's Six Nations opener with Wales at Twickenham this Saturday.

And the likeable Cornishman, who has been at the coalface of international rugby for 12 years, insists the Englishmen who come face-to-face with Jenkins, Rees and Jones this weekend will be facing a huge challenge.

"Gethin, Adam and Reesy are the best front row in the competition, if not the best front row in world rugby," said Vickery.

"Gethin has an engine and a heart the size of a double decker bus.

"Matthew's throwing in and his scrummaging are strong and he will work all day long for you.

"Adam will just keep going. For me, it is not just about the player but about the person. I don't really see anyone better."