WALES’ Gethin Jenkins has been praised for his “incredible” talent as he is poised to make history by winning his 100th cap in Saturday’s showdown with Argentina.

He was commended for his glittering achievement by the national side’s attack coach Rob Howley, the loosehead prop about to become only the fourth player to reach a century of Tests for Wales.

Jenkins, who will celebrate his 33rd birthday on Sunday, is set to draw level with wing Gareth Thomas and openside Martyn Williams this weekend as his side take on the Pumas at the Millennium Stadium.

He is well placed to become the most capped Wales player in history, outside half Stephen Jones just ahead of him after playing in 104 Tests between 1998 and 2011.

Jenkins, who made his debut against Romania 11 years ago, is a three-times Grand Slam winner who also played in five international matches after touring with the 2005, 2009 and 2013 British and Irish Lions to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia respectively.

He won the Heineken Cup with Toulon this year, injuring his calf in their 16-15 final victory over Clermont Auvergne after coming on as a replacement in Dublin.

But that victory came at a heavy price for it ended up costing him a place in the Lions’ series squad against the Wallabies, forced to leave the tour party early after he failed to recover in time.

Jenkins also won the Amlin Challenge Cup with his current side Cardiff Blues in 2010, beating Toulon 28-21 in a pulsating final at football club Olympique de Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome.

Howley paid tribute to a man who has achieved so much since he first began his senior career at Pontypridd.

"He's a very astute, intelligent rugby player," said Howley, a former Wales and Lions scrum-half.

"You look at his kick chasing on Saturday (in the 24-15 defeat to South Africa), and let's not forget about what he does at set-pieces.

"Not that I understand a lot about scrum and line-out, but his ability around the field in attack and defence, and also in his kick chase, is incredible."

Howley said this weekend’s clash with the Pumas would be an emotional occasion for "family man" Jenkins.

His mother Lesley died of cancer at the age of 49 in 2007, three days before Wales took on France.

Jenkins played in that match and at the time said "every cap and game is for her”.

Howley added: "His mum would be be very, very proud of him. And I'm sure there'll be someone smiling looking down when he runs out on Saturday."