Sunday 21 February 2016 16:32, UK
Wales loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins says he is still enjoying international rugby under Warren Gatland.
The 35-year-old Cardiff Blues forward is yet to start a game for Wales in this year's Six Nations campaign but has come off the bench twice to provide support for first choice prop Rob Evans.
Evans impressed in Wales' opening two fixtures against Ireland and Scotland and is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up when France visit the Millennium Stadium next Friday.
Evans' form has meant a place on the bench for Jenkins this year but the former Toulon prop says he is happy to play a supporting role for Wales' younger players.
"It has been different from what I've been used to over the past couple of years, but I've enjoyed it," said Jenkins, who is Wales' most capped player with 121 Test match appearances.
"Rob has gone really well, and I am enjoying supporting him and trying to make an impact off the bench.
"It's quite hard watching. There is a different kind of nerves. When you start, you know what to expect, but off the bench you have to just flick that switch when you get on.
"Rob has been outstanding in the first two games. He's quite a confident boy, and he has shown that with the way he has played.
"He is still young at international level, but he's learning every week. He takes stuff on board, he's a strong scrummager and he carries very well around the field.
"He is only going to get better, and that's good for Wales that they have someone coming through who will hopefully be there for the next 10 years.
"You never like losing your jersey. There wasn't any discontent, but you've still lost your jersey.
"After a day or two you have to get over it and get behind the guy who is in the jersey. It still hasn't stopped my driving hunger to be in that loosehead shirt."
Jenkins, who signed a new one-year contract with the Blues this week, admits that he is still adapting to his new role within the squad.
"Coming into the campaign, I didn't know what to expect," he said.
"I didn't know whether I would be starting or Rob or Paul (James) would be starting. Once that decision was made, I suppose my role did change a bit.
"I've had plenty of dialogue with Gats about where I'm going to go over the next year or so, so my mindset changed.
"But I've played half-an-hour in both games, so you are still relied on to go out there and do a job. Your main role is to support the guy who is starting, who is Rob.
"I've still got something to offer, even if I am on the bench. I am as hungry as ever to pull that Welsh jersey on.
"I've been playing a lot of rugby over the Christmas period, and I am still really enjoying it. I am looking forward to next week, and I will hopefully continue to put Rob under pressure."
