GETHIN Jenkins has praised hooker Scott Baldwin for bringing energy to the Wales pack, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Ospreys man has kept the number 2 jersey for Saturday's crunch Six Nations encounter against Ireland after impressing in the 20-13 victory against France in Paris.

It had been expected that Lions star Richard Hibbard and Ken Owens, the starter in South Africa last summer who has been recalled to the Six Nations squad after recovering from a neck injury, would be battling for the spot in World Cup year.

But Jenkins says Baldwin, 26, has thrown his hat into the ring by impressing against the powerful packs of South Africa and Les Bleus.

"Scott's been great," said the loosehead prop. "He played that last game in the autumn (Wales' second ever win against South Africa) and came off the field with his head held high.

"Hibbs came back in for the first two games before Scott took his chance really well against France. He brings a big energy, he's a fit boy and he brings that in defence.

"His lineout throwing is pretty good, and he's brought a different dimension to the team. But Hibbs will be hungry to get back in that side and you have Ken Owens back in the squad with Kristian Dacey.

"It's Scott's chance to keep that jersey but he's got to back it up with a performance this weekend."

Jenkins, arguably the best prop at the contact area in the world, will be a key figure on Saturday afternoon with Wales needing to avoid giving away shots at goal at the set piece and breakdown.

"You can't give too many penalties away with Johnny Sexton in the team, he's a world-class kicker," said the Cardiff Blues man.

"That's the same as us, Leigh Halfpenny bangs them over from everywhere as well. Discipline will be talked about, but we have to concentrate on our own game and make sure we impose ourselves on them.

"They certainly got one over on us at the breakdown last year, they contested the tackle well. It's a physical battle with the tackler and the supporting player, they do a good job.

"We have to counteract that threat and use the strengths we have in our team to get some turnovers as well – with different methods of tackling."