Josh Turnbull will look to fill the boots of the influential Dan Lydiate when he starts for Wales against Argentina on Saturday.
The Scarlets flanker is set to win his fifth cap against the Pumas and a good performance should see him remain in the blindside spot for the upcoming Tests against Samoa, New Zealand and Australia.
Lydiate was named as the Player of the Tournament in last season's Six Nations Championship earlier this year as Wales won the Grand Slam, lauded by critics for his work ethic and defence.
His absence leaves a significant void, but one that Turnbull is ready to step into.
"Dan's boots are big ones to fill," Turnbull told Press Association Sport.
"He is a credit to himself with what he has achieved in the last 18 months, especially the Six Nations player of the season award, and you can see how much he puts into it.
"I am looking forward to it on Saturday. Sam and I grew up playing age grade rugby together. He took his opportunities a couple of years ago, and he has gone on from there.
"He doesn't say much, he just gets on with it and does his talking on the pitch.
"Any player in this environment is picked on form and not their reputation. In 2009, Sam and I came from the same Wales Under-20 side, and I want to take this opportunity on Saturday with both hands."
As for the opposition, Turnbull is ready to take on a formidable Argentinian pack that includes several talents.
"(Juan Manuel) Leguizamon and (Juan Martin Fernandez) Lobbe on their day are two of the best back-row forwards in the world, and Argentina have got a front-five that works hard and puts them in the right positions," Turnbull added.
"They are a very forward-orientated team. We've got to chop them down early, get on the ball and play at our pace."
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