Wales' Josh Navidi hails contribution by Sam Warburton
Thursday 9 November 2017 22:56, UK
Wales flanker Josh Navidi has hailed the "massive" contribution made by Sam Warburton to his rugby career.
Navidi steps into the spotlight on Saturday against Australia, wearing Wales' No 7 shirt that is normally associated with Warburton or his fellow British and Irish Lion Justin Tipuric.
Warburton amd Tipuric, though, are both currently injured, and more than four years after making a Test debut against Japan in Tokyo, Navidi finally gets his chance on home soil.
The 26-year-old's two other Wales appearances - both earlier this year - were in Auckland and Apia, so an opportunity to run out at the Principality Stadium is one he will relish.
"He's been massive," said Navidi, of his Cardiff Blues colleague Warburton.
"We help each other out. He has played a lot of international games, and it's good to know his knowledge and how he reads the game.
"He is world-class at the breakdown so anything from him you will take it in and take it on board."
Despite a long period in the international wilderness, Navidi has produced consistent Blues form and his strong-willed determination now reaps its reward for Wales' autumn series opener.
"With the injuries, I thought I had a chance, and I am delighted to start," he added.
"It's the first time I have played for Wales at home, and the first time playing in the Principality Stadium in a red jersey instead of a blue one.
"There were times when the autumn or Six Nations came round where I thought maybe I would get in the squads, and I didn't.
"But it's nothing I dwelled on. I just concentrated on playing well for the Blues.
"It was obviously a long time from getting my first cap to my second cap. Hopefully I have broken that barrier now, and I can keep on getting more caps.
"You go out every week just trying to play your best and put your hand up to be selected in the national team, which has happened for me this time."
Navidi certainly has a tough task on his Wales home debut, lining up opposite brilliant Wallabies openside and captain Michael Hooper.
"He is obviously world-class and been there and done it for a number of years now," said Navidi.
"It's a big opportunity for me. Hopefully, I can do one on him on the weekend and we will get the win."
