Cardiff Blues boss Phil Davies praised the work of British & Irish Lion Gethin Jenkins after the prop stepped off the bench to help his side to victory over Newport Gwent Dragons.
The 33-year-old struggled with injuries in 2013, with a calf strain bringing a premature end to his tour with the Lions this summer, as he was forced home without playing a game.
It was his third tour with the British & Irish Lions but the injury saw him ruled out for four months before he returned to action for the Blues in October, collecting his 100th cap for Wales against Argentina the following month.
Jenkins saw fellow prop Sam Hobbs step up in his absence earlier this season, and came on as a 47th minute replacement for him in their 21-13 win over the Dragons on New Year’s Day.
And Davies, who also watched fellow British & Irish Lions Leigh Halfpenny kick 15 points for his side, knows the value of Jenkins’ playing experience.
"It's great to have Gethin back, but huge credit to the way Sam Hobbs has played. We have got a bit more depth there with young Tom Davies too,” Davies told the Cardiff Blues website.
"Sam Hobbs has been leading us well and Gethin Jenkins, when he comes on with his experience, made an impact. I thought the replacements added to us.
"I feel it is a sign of our growing maturity as a team and forward pack that we showed control at key periods."
