Robert Sidoli admits he's probably up against the two best line-out forwards in the world - but he's determined to repay Welsh coach Mike Ruddock's faith in him against England on Saturday.

No-one was more surprised than Sidoli to receive a Wales call-up this week.

Seemingly out of contention after being overlooked for the Autumn internationals, it seemed as if veteran second row Gareth Llewellyn would finish where he left off in November and join Brent Cockbain in Wales' starting 15. But Ruddock surprised everyone, including the man himself, by opting for Sidoli.

"I was surprised to get back in after the boys played so well in the autumn," said Sidoli.

"It was frustrating being on the sidelines, but it was good to see Wales doing so well and I learnt a lot from that experience and it made me hungry for international rugby."

Sidoli has played a starring role in Wales' last two matches against England, but a niggling groin problem picked up last season affected his early season form. An operation has cured that and now the 6ft 6in tall lock is back to his best.

He said: "The operation in the summer solved my physical problem, but I also had to settle into a new club. "It has been a difficult time at the Blues to settle into a new team, but all the boys are taking to it now and there is a strong representation in the Wales squad."

Along with Cockbain, Sidoli will face the might of Danny Grewcock and Ben Kay on Saturday and acknowledges it is a challenge of some magnitude.

He said: "In Grewcock, Kay and Borthwick they probably have three of the best second row forwards in the world.

"They are huge guys and great athletes and fantastic players.

"But I'm looking forward to meeting them and that is why you play these games.

"The team are trying to play an expansive game, but there are things I have to take care of in the tight to enable that to happen."