OSPREYS hooker Scott Baldwin admits he was shocked to be recalled for Wales’ trip to France on Saturday but he’s relishing the chance to shine, writes Andrew Penman.

Baldwin comes into the side as one of four changes after the 26-23 win over Scotland in Edinburgh.

The 26-year-old from Bridgend replaces Richard Hibbard in the starting XV, while wing George North, lock Luke Charteris, and tighthead Samson Lee also come in for Alex Cuthbert, Jake Ball and Aaron Jarvis respectively.

“It was a bit of a shock, but a welcome one,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to the opportunity now against the French at the weekend.

“You want to be pushing for a starting place every week, wherever you are.

“I’ve been challenging Hibbs for a few years now, first at the Ospreys and then getting involved with Wales, and it’s something I hope keeps going for a long time. I’ll keep striving to push him every week.

“Hibbs has been great with me throughout my career, and we try to help each other now,” he added. “If there’s anything I can help him with I will, and vice-versa. We have a good relationship. Hopefully, it will help the squad and team at the weekend.

“He’s a top player. He puts everything into every game and if you had 15 Richard Hibbards on the pitch you’d have a fantastic team.

“He was the first person to come over and congratulate me after the team selection, which is a mark of the man.

“I get on really well with him and we’ll both continue to do our best for the side.”

Baldwin and Hibbard may be good friends but the younger man won’t give up the shirt without a fight.

“It’s a massive honour to start ahead of Rich and I don’t take it for granted because he’s a good player,” said Baldwin.

“It’s not about just coming in to do a job. I have to be exceptional at the weekend to fill his boots, but that’s a challenge I’ll look forward to.

“The coaches have made it clear that we have to be performing in every game just to keep the jersey. The message is not to rest on your laurels. That’s something that has to be good for the squad.

“I don’t think you ever go out being complacent and thinking the shirt’s yours.

“That’s not in the squad. In training we’re hitting lumps out of each other and we’re all pushing each other with our fitness.

“I don’t think it’s crept into the squad, but sometimes bringing someone in puts you on edge a bit. Hopefully, the boys that come in this week will raise the bar again and keep pushing the standards.”