IT'S with reluctance that Justin Tipuric has been playing the role of d'Artagnan, writes Chris Kirwan.

While the three musketeers of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau get the starts for Wales (and the British and Irish Lions), the Ospreys flanker is frequently reduced to cameos.

The 24-year-old has shown the patience of a saint to win 16 caps; there is no danger of the quiet man from Trebanos throwing his toys out the pram.

He makes the most of the situation and last Saturday provided evidence of his excellence as an impact sub

Against South Africa he made eight tackles in 16 minutes, a higher figure than Lydiate, Warburton or Faletau managed.

All for one, one for all... but don't confuse that willingness to be a team player with contentment at being the next cab on the rank should there be an injury.

"I don't think anyone likes being on the bench," said Tipuric, who has started six Tests and been among the replacements 10 times.

"It's not a nice feeling. As a rugby player, you want to start every game.

"You just have to keep pushing to be in the starting line-up. I'm not going to give up on that, I want to be playing for Wales as often as I can.

"Patience is the key word but it's better to be in the 23 than not involved at all."

If head coach Warren Gatland opts to stick with his back row against Argentina on Saturday then he might be tempted turn to Tipruric to solve his midfield headache.

The Ospreys man showed glorious handling to set up Alex Cuthbert's second try against England in the Six Nations clincher while he put Newport Gwent Dragons to the sword with a stunning display at the Liberty Stadium last month.

He glided over the turf and the second of his two tries was a sight to behold, chipping the last man before gathering.

Tipuric may have the skills of a back but he will be at the coalface for another tough challenge up front this weekend.

"I watched a bit of Argentina's game with England and they still have a good scrum and a good driving maul, so that's one thing we are going to be working on this week," said the flanker

"They have obviously been doing some stuff on low tackles and trying to get on the ball.

"Argentina didn't manage to get their line-speed up in the first half and there were one or two missed tackles, allowing England to get behind the gain line.

"We just have to try to keep them on the back foot by stopping their driving maul, which they like to use to give them go-forward."

And Tipuric won't give up in his bid to don his blue scrum cap and do that from the first whistle.