NEW Wales tight-head prop Gethin Jenkins has no fears about being thrown into the deep end on his Six Nations debut against Ireland on Saturday.

The 22-year-old Pontypridd star was reluctant to own up to the number of times he has played at tight-head at a press conference this week.

But later the lifetime loose-head smiled and said he'd played "once or twice in friendlies" as well as playing as a Wales replacement against England and Scotland in this season's Six Nations.

"I had two scrums against England which doesn't count really because you couldn't get a feel of it," said the youngster capped six times at loose-head at under-18 and under-21 level.

"Against Scotland there were quite a few scrums and though it was tough to start you get more and more used to it and I enjoyed it.

"It is different, but not too much so. It's a lot tougher physically but the bumps and bruises you get are just the same.

"I'm not daunted by the prospect of playing a full game there against Ireland. It's going to be tough but I'm sure I'll be alright."

He said he had received front row tips from Pontypridd team-mate Duncan Bell and former Wales front row man Mike Griffiths as well as Wales Under-21s coach Chris Davey.

But he admitted: "I'm learning every game and playing at the top level gives me chance to learn the different tricks of the trade."

Jenkins, 6ft 2in and 18st 10lb, is thrilled to be involved at the highest level.

"I played against Romania in the Autumn and that was a bit out of the blue as this is only my second season in senior rugby," he said.

"When you first turn up for the squad you are just glad to be involved but after sitting on the bench for a while you get really disappointed, so to be picked is brilliant.

"I've played against Leinster but I haven't played against the Irish props but people who have played against them have given me a few hints.

"I like to get around the park and get in position to make the tackles and if there's a hit to be made I like to put a big hit in.

"It will be tough on Saturday, but I hope to do that job and get my hands on the ball as well.

"And having Wales skipper Jonathan Humphreys alongside me will help. He's very experienced and he'll be talking all game."

And what of Ireland?: "They have a strong scrum and a strong lineout and do the basics very well. You have to be aggressive and stand up to them and that's what we'll do," he said.