 Watkins will form a new centre partnership with Hal Luscombe |
Wales centre Matthew Watkins has vowed to grasp a rare opportunity by making the inside centre position his own. Watkins faces England in his first Six Nations start on Saturday, benefiting from the absence of the suspended Gavin Henson and the retired Sonny Parker.
Said Watkins: "It's unlucky for the guys who are not available, but it does give other people opportunities.
"You can't freeze on the day, you have just got to try to play your game as best you can."
Watkins was sinking a few pints when Henson kicked the penalty which launched Wales' Grand Slam success a year ago with victory over England in Cardiff.
The 27-year-old will never be in Henson's league when it comes to being the centre of attention, but the elusive Scarlets runner has been the form centre in Wales this season.
Wales coach Mike Ruddock has enthused over Watkins' new centre partnership with Haldane Luscombe, comparing it with the Henson-Shanklin which make such an impact in last season's Six Nations.
Henson will be available again after his 51-day suspension for the third match in Ireland, but Watkins is in no mood to hand back the number 12 jersey without a fight.
"I have always been happy in my own ability, and I am working hard on my game for the Scarlets," said Watkins, who will win his 12th cap on Saturday.
"Luckily, my time has come with Wales, so hopefully I can grasp the chance with both hands.
"I think I've played some really good rugby over the past few years, but the (Wales) coaches at the time didn't see me being right for Wales.
"That's fair enough, so I have worked hard on my game with Llanelli, and although it was a little frustrating, if you work hard enough on your game you will get the rewards."
Watkins showed glimpses of his defence-splitting ability in Wales' last outing against Australia November's 24-22 victory.
His pace and side-stepping blends in perfectly with the rest of the Wales backline, and Watkins says he will not be afraid to express himself against England.
"You can't freeze on the day, you have just got to try to play your game as best you can," he added.
"The other side will try and break you down and not let you play, but it is a case of being calm and taking the game to the opposition.
"The way Wales have been playing has been pretty impressive to watch. It's exciting stuff, especially as most of the backs can play anywhere in the back-line, and we also like the underdog tag.
"As long as we can win enough possession, we can give them a good fight, although it is obviously going to be a tough encounter."
MMIX
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You can't freeze on the day, you have just got to try to play your game as best you can