The 23-year-old tight-head has felt the full force of French forward play for Celtic Warriors in this seasons European Cup.

The 17-times capped prop was on the receiving end of some close physical attention in a brutal clash with Perpignan second-row Christophe Porcu, who found himself cited and subsequently banned for five weeks.

I have played against Perpignan for the Warriors and they are very strong in the scrum, said Jenkins.

Playing out in Perpignan was not the best game for me because I was knocked out twice. So I did not enjoy that one very much.

But when they came back over here for the return game I was on the loose-head and we beat them and the scrums were fine.

It is part of the way the French play that they thrive on getting on top of teams.

We have been working hard up front to counteract the French. The French provide a daunting challenge and we have to show we are capable of matching them up front.

They have won their last two games and we have lost and struggled in our last match against Ireland.

Jenkins is hoping for a starting place against France at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday, after first-choice tight-head Adam Jones was ruled out of the rest the RBS 6 Nations with strained ankle ligaments.

The two props have been part of Steve Hansens tactical plan that was conceived against New Zealand in the World Cup, where Jenkins replaced Jones after half an hour.

The Warriors forward admitted that at first he was unsure if Hansen would adopt the tactic, but concedes impact replacements are the norm in the modern game.

I was told I was coming on after 30 minutes for the New Zealand game in the World Cup, said Jenkins.

At first I did not think I would be coming on at that stage but then it happened.

I come on after half an hour and feel fresher than most of the boys on the field with 50 minutes to impress.

Most of the replacements are getting used as impact players now throughout the game and it can only benefit the team to have fresh legs on the field.