GETHIN Jenkins is set to join Wales' exclusive 100-cap club against Argentina on Saturday, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

The loosehead prop had a fine game on his 99th Wales appearance in the 24-15 defeat to South Africa but he couldn't mask his regret it wasn't marked with an historic victory.

His team pushed the world's No 2 Test outfit hard but it was another glorious failure against the mighty Springboks.

Still, the 32-year-old Cardiff Blues man can at least look forward to achieving his century against the Pumas on Saturday afternoon.

If he does, he will join wing Gareth 'Alfie' Thomas and openside flanker Martyn Williams in achieving a ton and be pushing hard on the heels of Wales' most capped player, outside-half Stephen Jones who leads the field with 104 appearances for his country.

On the setback to South Africa, which saw Wales claw themselves back into contention after trailing 17-6 in the first half, Jenkins said: "There was disappointment in the changing room because we put a decent performance in.

"We seem to start pretty slow in the autumn but I thought we came back into the game really well. We just seemed to fall short again.

"It was one of the most physical games I've played in but then a lot of the boys said how much they enjoyed it. It was a test for us physically and perhaps we fell a little bit short and we needed a bit of composure towards the end.

"South Africa have come from the Rugby Championship where they have been on fire. If a few things had gone our way, we might have won that game."

Speaking about being on the cusp of reaching his century, Jenkins said: "If selected, it will be a big occasion for me. Argentina are always improving and it's been a long old road to get to there and trying to stay injury free has been my main concern over the last year or so. But I feel good and look forward to this week's training.

"Martyn (Williams) told me he wouldn't be able to be introduced as the most capped Wales forward anymore, so he's not happy with that.

"It'll be a big weight off my back and my target is playing well for Wales and playing well for the Blues.

"You never look further ahead than one game and there's always pressure on you and you never know what's going to happen in the next game."