The Ospreys scrum half begins from the off at the Millennium Stadium, one of three changes to the Wales side from the defeat to Ireland in Dublin.
A product of Brynteg School, an academy which produced Williams, former Wales scrum half Howley as well as Gavin Henson and Dafydd James, Webb has been in and around the Wales squad since making his debut against Italy in 2012.
But tonight, he gets his first start for his country, an opportunity the 25-year-old is understandably looking forward to.
“As a kid, all you want is to play for your country and I’ve been lucky enough to do that but to get a start this week is pretty special,” said Webb.
“The coaches told me to go out and have some game time with the Ospreys. I was excited to play again and all I want is to keep doing that now.”
A former member of the Wales Sevens squad, Webb’s start tonight completes a remarkable recovery from injury. Less than a year ago, he ruptured a cruciate ligament in his knee and spent a significant period of time on the sidelines.
“The Ospreys and their medical team have got me back to fitness and I’m very grateful for that,” Webb added.
“I’m one of those people who keeps going and going. My friends and family have been massive for me during my injuries. It will be great to see them at the game on Friday – I’ve had to find some extra tickets as everyone wants to come down!
“The work I have done off the pitch has gone well and I’m delighted to start.”
A direct runner and who likes to take on the opposition with ball in hand, Webb comes in for Mike Phillips at nine this evening. Wing Liam Williams and lock Luke Charteris are the others to return for Warren Gatland’s men.
“I want to play an attacking type of game, play what’s in front of me and release the outside backs,” said Webb. “But at the same time, there will be times when I have to keep my head and we’ll go for the three points.
“I learnt a lot from Mike when we were both at the Ospreys. I have picked bits from all the nines there and tried to learn from them. They have all helped to develop my game.
“Mike has played for Wales for a long time and he’s a world class player. But I want to get the jersey and do the best I can for the team. Hopefully I can get as many caps as him one day.”
With a couple of new faces in their side, Wales are determined to bounce back against a France team who have won both of their games so far this season. France head coach Philippe Saint Andre makes minimal changes to his side with giant centre Mathieu Bastareaud fit to start.
On the prospect of taking on the French, Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards said: “We are well prepared and a very determined team – there’s been a real edge in training.
“France are a formidable opponent but they are just the type of opponent we need. We want to prove to our fans we still have that edge. We are mentally prepared for this game, there’s no doubt about it. We know we need to step up in performance and I can virtually assure you that will happen.
“Games between us and France are always tight, we aren’t expecting anything different this time.”
For all the build up to tonight’s game between Wales and France, visit our live blog.
