Llewellyn’s Welsh milestone

GARETH LLEWELLYN will overtake goal-kicking legend Neil Jenkins to make a record-breaking 88th Wales appearance when he lines up in the second-row against Argentina at Tucuman on Saturday.

The 35-year-old second-row forward will do so effectively from the ranks of semi-professional rugby, having seen out the 2003-2004 season with Welsh Premiership side Swansea after falling out of favour with his bosses at the Neath-Swansea Ospreys regional team.

Veteran Llewellyn has overcome a twisted ankle to line up alongside debut-making Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Jason Forster and his South African-born teammate and wing Hal Luscombe, who is making his second Wales appearance.

However, for Llewellyn, who earned his first cap from Neath as a 19-year-old against Wayne Shelford’s awesome 1989 New Zealand All Blacks, beating goal-kicking ace Jenkins’ appearance mark will pass without fuss.

The 35-year-old said: “It’s something I will look back upon when I am older and appreciate more.”

Llewellyn also refuses to contemplate the prospect of going on to become the first Welsh player to reach the 100 appearances mark.

But such numbers are not on Llewellyn’s mind as he approaches what Wales expect will be a torrid examination of their resolve at a venue reputed to be among the most volatile in world rugby.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has no qualms about continuing to field Llewellyn, despite his veteran status.