Intrigued to see how Howley fills Jenkins void in front row

GETHIN Jenkins has been a hero for his entire Wales career, and he’ll be a massive loss in the Six Nations with a bicep injury.

There is no more experienced prop in world rugby and it’s not only what he can bring to game time.

The younger forwards can learn so much from Gethin when they’re around him in training and Rob Howley will be gutted not to have him available. When you’ve got 129 international caps to your name, that experience is nothing short of vital.

I spent my entire career as far away from the front row as possible, but having played with Gethin (below) for so long I know just what he brings to a side.

There’s no fitter prop than Gethin, even at 36, and I think Wales will miss that around the park in the Six Nations. Just look at his performances in November. He was immense. Gethin stepped in to captain the side and did it brilliantly while his performances showed he is still capable of starring at the highest level.

He’s been a rock for his country for years and it will be interesting to see who Wales choose to step in. Rob Evans and Nicky Smith are the main contenders and both are good young props but they don’t have the experience of Gethin.

Nicky has that ability to get around the park and has the edge over Rob in that area. But I expect Rob to get the call for the opener in Rome in February. He did well in last year’s Six Nations and Wales will hope to get a similar impact from him again.