Alun Wyn Jones is used to putting his body on the line but the British & Irish Lions star admits he gets as pumped up as ever for the Welsh derbies.
One of just six Lions to start all three Tests against Australia, Jones had the extra responsibility of skippering the side in Sydney in the absence of injured tour captain Sam Warburton.
He will lead his club side, Ospreys, out against Welsh rivals Scarlets on Friday night looking to exact revenge for their 10-6 Boxing Day defeat.
And the 28-year-old insists he won’t let his guard slip with bragging rights on the line.
"Sometimes we do put a little too much emotion, or emphasis, on these derby fixtures to the detriment of other games,” said Wyn Jones.
“But I do like the notion of playing them back-to-back, especially this time of year.
"When I grew up it was watching Llanelli v Swansea on Boxing Day, or when I was first in the academy it was Ospreys v Scarlets.
"These were the games I grew up watching and wanting to be involved in. It's a great spectacle that should keep going."
