Gethin Jenkins could go head-to-head with a former Lions team-mate on Sunday afternoon as he aims to press his claims for Test involvement with the class of 2009.
Jenkins started all three Tests alongside Julian White in New Zealand four years ago but the two props will be on opposite sides when Cardiff Blues entertain Leicester Tigers in this weekend’s second Heineken Cup semi-final at the Millennium Stadium.
England’s White may only be among the Leicester replacements for Sunday’s showdown but if he does get on to the field of play, Blues coach Dai Young expects a tough battle between the 2005 tourists.
"It’s going to be a humdinger between those two,” said Young, who himself toured with the Lions three times, in 1989, 1997 and 2001.
"There’s plenty of respect for each other after that tour, but it’s going to be a real tussle.”
Young knows all there is to know about front-row play and the Blues supremo has plenty of respect for the technically proficient White.
He also feels his own man has the ability to take White on in the tight and give the Blues a distinct advantage with his efforts in the loose.
“White has good technique for a shorter guy,” added Young, who started all three Tests against the Wallabies on his first Lions tour 20 years ago.
“He’s very strong and has blown plenty of teams away with his power.
“Gethin is one of the few guys who can match White in the scrums, but he offers so much more around the pitch.
"Gethin’s attitude to defence is devastating and there’s no other prop in world rugby that covers as much ground – or as quickly."
