It’s a proud moment for the Cardiff Blues and ex Toulon man who overtakes former fly half Stephen Jones. The milestone takes place in the finale to the 2014 RBS 6 Nations campaign and although Wales are now unable to secure a third consecutive title, Warren Gatland’s men are determined to end the campaign on a high ahead of their summer tour to South Africa.
Away defeats to Ireland and England have cost Gatland’s side but as they aim to make it three home wins from three, Wales have the utmost motivation to make Jenkins’ record breaking game one to remember.
“There are a lot of good players that have reached the milestone of 100 caps and I’m just glad to overtake Stephen who’s a legend of the game,” said the 33-year-old prop.
“Most importantly, I’m looking forward to getting out on the field and putting a good performance in to finish the campaign. At the start of your career, you’re just chuffed to get your first cap and be involved in the squad. It’s been a long old career and I’m hoping to continue it.”
After making his Wales debut against Romania way back in 2002, Jenkins has gone on to win three Grand Slams, toured three times with the British & Irish Lions and reached the semi-finals of a Rugby World Cup.
Asked to pick out a highlight, Jenkins argued: “The first Grand Slam, the first one we won in 27 years. We have been lucky enough to have quite a bit of success in the last five years but probably 2005 because for the nation, it had been such a long time.”
Although this afternoon will be a proud moment for Jenkins, he and the rest of the Wales side are determined to return to winning ways as a team following the defeat at Twickenham last Sunday.
Jenkins said: “We were all very disappointed with the England game. Personally I was disappointed with my performance and I’m sure there’s a lot of other boys the same. We’re looking forward to this weekend and putting things right.”
Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards paid tribute to Jenkins’ achievement after yesterday’s training session at the Millennium Stadium.
He said: “”Gethin is one of the most intelligent rugby players in his position in the history of the game, he is an all-round rugby player, not just a prop forward who scrummages, but one of the first players I go to at half-time and have a chat about anything he thinks we need to be concentrating on. I totally respect his opinion.
“This is not a dead rubber it’s still an international match between Scotland and Wales. We’ve got a proud home record this year and we want to go unbeaten through the tournament at home.”
Wales have made six changes for the meeting with Scotland, Dan Biggar, Liam Williams and Mike Phillips all starting behind the scrum. In the pack, Rhodri Jones and Ken Owens begin in the front row while Luke Charteris returns at lock.
Biggar said: “I’m delighted to be back – I’ve got a chance now to stake a claim. The team needs to go out on a high as we have been inconsistent away from home. It’s an international Test match and we won’t need any pumping up.
“It’s about enjoying the game – sometimes you forget you are playing in front of 70,000 people and it’s a pretty good job. I think I am a positive person and hopefully I can come in and make an impact on the game.”
Scotland meanwhile come to Cardiff with former Wales boss Scott Johnson taking charge for the last time. He includes Edinburgh wing Dougie Fife, who will make his Scottish debut.
“We want to win but we also want a good performance,” said Johnson.
“It’s a unique experience playing in Cardiff and they love their rugby down here. It will be a great experience for the players and hopefully a great game of rugby.
“Wales are the champions and this is not an easy place to come, it’s hard to come here and win. The Millennium is a hot house and we will find out a lot about our players – that’s a good thing.”
