FLANKER Josh Turnbull admits it’s going to be tough to force himself into Wales’ first choice line-up but he is determined to give it his best shot.

The 24-year-old Scarlets man starts in Newport Gwent Dragons star Dan Lydiate’s blindside position for the match with the Barbarians at the Millennium Stadium tomorrow (kick-off 2pm).

The superb Lydiate was named the Six Nations’ player of the tournament after the Grand Slam triumph.

Turnbull therefore knows he has to make the most of his chance this weekend if he wants to break up Wales’ flourishing partnership between Lydiate, Dragons teammate Toby Faletau at number eight and captain Sam Warburton on the openside.

“I’ve got big boots to fill I suppose with Dan occupying that number six jersey for a long time and playing so well there,” the 6ft 4in Turnbull said.

“Getting into any position in that Wales back row is always going to be a tough job because they’re all playing so well.

“It’s been tough to get an opportunity but I’ll get one against the Baa-Baas this weekend.”

Turnbull added it’s not just Lydiate who stands in his way of becoming a Wales regular.

“I play a lot of my rugby with the Scarlets at openside, so it’s not just competition with Dan when it comes to Wales, there’s Sam as well,” he said.

“And there’s three other good sevens in the squad – one’s going to get his 100th cap this weekend in Martyn Williams – and there’s Justin Tipuric who has been playing really well for the Ospreys.

“I’ve grown into the seven role over the last year and I feel more involved in the game if I play there. But you’ve got to be comfortable to cover anywhere in that back five I suppose. You’ve got to versatile. It all adds a string to your bow.”

Turnbull is determined to make the 34-man squad on Wales’ three-Test match tour to Australia this month.

He said: “When you see other players doing so well, you just want to get back in there and be involved.

“You want get into a position where you’re involved in Tests for Wales. I just want to get out there and play.

“Hopefully I’ll put in a good performance against the Barbarians and get a chance to go on tour, get more caps and play a role in those three Tests in Australia.”

Tomorrow sees the Haverfordwest-born Turnbull win his fourth cap, but it will be his first start for Wales: “I can’t wait and making my first start at the Millennium Stadium will be a great experience. I’m really looking forward to it.”