A SELF-PROCLAIMED Gethin Jenkins imitator is hoping to get the nod as the replacement for the influential prop in Dublin on Sunday.

Saracens loosehead Rhys Gill is vying with Paul James and Ryan Bevington for the Wales number one jersey in the Six Nations opener against Ireland.

The absence of Jenkins because of a knee injury is a big blow, both at the set piece and in the loose, but Gill’s form for the English champions gives reason for optimism.

He has caught the eye in the loose and an impressive showing in the Heineken Cup double-header against the Ospreys played a huge part in earning a Wales recall.

Gill is attempting to earn a second cap at the venue where he made his international bow as a 77th minute replacement in a 27-12 drubbing at the Aviva Stadium.

And he hopes that showing the same qualities that make Jenkins such a huge presence in the Wales set-up will convince Warren Gatland to give him the start.

"Gethin has a massive work rate and what he does around the field is outstanding," said the 25-year-old from Treherbert.

"I based my game on him and I think he’s a pretty good icon to have because he is one of the best in the world.

"There are not may props like him but I think there are some good potential replacements in this squad.

"Ryan Bevington and Paul James are quality players and I’ve also got an opportunity to press for the start."

Gill has thrived since crossing the Severn Bridge after being released by Cardiff Blues.

The front rower headed for Vicarage Road when Newport Gwent Dragons opted to sign Ali McKenzie instead.

It has proved to be an astute move for Gill and has allowed him to work with some top talent.

"Carlos Nieto (Italy international) is a master of the dark arts, Matt Stevens (England international) has a lot of experience and covers both sides of the scrum and then at hooker we have two of the best in the world in John Smit and Schalk Brits (South Africa internationals).

"There’s real competition for places and we do four to six live scrums every Wednesday.

"I’ve got 18 months left on my contract and we’re second in the league and in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup so I am enjoying it. I’m more than happy at Saracens at the moment."

But while his clubmates head to Rodney Parade for an LV= Cup clash on Friday Gill will be getting settled in Dublin and potentially preparing to start against a strong front row.

"Tighthead Mike Ross is not a bad player but loosehead Cian Healy is the main threat of their front row,” said Gill.

“He’s got a good work rate around the field and his scrummaging is big as well.”

If the Irish have watched Gill against Adam Jones then they’ll be just as complimentary about the Saracens man.