WALES openside flanker Justin Tipuric has received the backing of England World Cup winner Lewis Moody after pundit Stuart Barnes questioned the Osprey's Lions credentials.

Ex-Newport outside half Barnes hit out at Tipuric’s selection at the expense of England captain Chris Robshaw for this summer’s tour of Australia.

Bassaleg School old boy Barnes, who won ten caps for England and toured New Zealand with the 1993 Lions, said: “I personally think Tipuric is a little lucky to go.

“He is a headline number seven, he does some great things and in time he is going to be wonderful, but is he really that much better than Chris Robshaw over the ball? Does he have that experience?

“I think the answer is no on both of those counts and Robshaw is unlucky to miss out.”

But man of the match Tipuric completely outplayed him when the two came face to face in Wales’ 30-3 Six Nations title winning demolition of England at the Millennium Stadium in March.

The 23-year-old rising star has an ally in former Leicester, England and Lions back row forward Moody.

An important member of the 2003 World Cup winning side, nicknamed ‘Mad Dog’ for his commitment on the field, defended Tipuric’s selection in the 37-man squad despite admitting Harlequins’ Robshaw was unfortunate not to be included.

“I was quite surprised that Chris wasn’t selected and I’m disappointed he’s not going – I think he has been quite unlucky,” he said.

“But I had the privilege of seeing Tipuric play for the Ospreys against Leicester this season and I thought he was outstanding.

“I thought he would push Sam Warburton for his Wales place during the Six Nations and I think they could complement each other (Warburton at six and Tipuric at seven for the Lions).”

On Barnes’ views, Moody added: “I think Barnesie likes to get his opinion out there and he’s always quite comfortable doing so, but I don’t think you can question Tipuric’s calibre.”

l Ex-England captain Lewis Moody has launched an opportunity with Microsoft’s search engine Bing and airline Qantas to send four of the most passionate and patriotic British and Irish rugby fans to support the Lions as they take on the Aussies and do battle Down Under.

To enter, fans should head to www.LionsManeEvent.com