RISING Wales star Mackenzie Martin hopes to be a Six Nations hit with the help of his idol – Dragons legend Taulupe Faletau.

Martin made his international debut in the Six Nations defeat to Ireland and will hope to win a second cap against France in Cardiff on Sunday.

The 20-year-old from Ely has enjoyed a rapid rise with the Aviva Stadium clash coming after just nine appearances for Cardiff.

Martin is raw but his performances have been eye-catching, with 104-times capped legendary number eight Faletau an inspiration.

"Taulupe Falatau is the man," said Martin about the Pontypool-raised back rower, arguably the Dragons’ greatest player who made 110 appearances for the club before leaving for Bath in 2016.

"I didn't watch much regional rugby when I was young; I watched films with my dad and stuff but we would always watch Wales together.

"Every time we would see him, my dad would say he is amazing. When I transitioned to the back row, I was about 16, I was always trying to follow in his footsteps and how he played the game.

"We are a little bit different as players, but it's the way he works around the field and carries himself. That was the inspiration.

"I haven't been fortunate to train with him yet [Faletau now plays for Cardiff], because he has been injured. It's absolutely crazy just being able to pick his brains.

"He's always been my favourite player. He's one of the biggest stars and before the Ireland game, I sat down and had coffee with him, he was so welcoming.

"He's just amazing to work with. He's one of the best number eights in the world, for me the best, so if I can even replicate that a little bit, I'd be doing myself proud."

South Wales Argus: Mackenzie Martin training with WalesMackenzie Martin training with Wales (Image: PA)

Martin hopes he can be a “trailblazer” to inspire young people in Ely, a suburb in the west of the capital that doesn’t always enjoy a positive press.

“I hope I can be a trailblazer,” Cardiff back-row forward Martin said. “I hope the kids are going to look up to me.

“When I went down there the other week, even before I made my debut, there were a good few of them copying my haircut.

“They came up to me and were saying ‘I’ve got the same hair as you’ and that type of thing. All theirs looked better than mine, so I was a bit jealous!

“Growing up, it wasn’t obviously the easiest, as anybody can imagine, but my family has always been great and I have learnt from them.

“I was always going to work hard because I think my dad is the hardest worker I know. It doesn’t matter where you come from, you can still make something of yourself.

“My dad worked in warehouses, he has delivered milk, he has done loads of things. He has always been on the go, so that gives me the inspiration to keep working hard.”