And following Wales’ dogged victory in the Stade de France, interim head coach Rob Howley has already revealed he will stick with the same XV for next Saturday’s clash with Italy, even if Warburton regains his fitness.

That means fellow flanker Ryan Jones retains the captaincy and Tipuric will win his 13th cap and make his fifth start in the Stadio Olimpico.

But 23-year-old Tipuric doesn’t believe that he’s made the No.7 shirt his own just yet.

“It’s never nice seeing a fellow player being left out, but from a personal perspective it’s great to be involved in the starting team for two games running,” Tipuric told Wales Online.

“It’s a long way from the game at the moment but I am really looking forward to it.

"I don’t know whether I can say the number seven jersey is mine just yet, but I am honoured to have the chance to wear it again against Italy.

“Now I am just looking forward to the game and performing as well as I can.

“I realise how privileged I am to play for Wales and I will stay grounded and not put my expectations too high.

“There is a lot of publicity about me and Sam fighting for the shirt.

“But we are just players and we just want to play, whether that is together in the back row or on our own at openside.

“We are both equally desperate to wear that red jersey. But whether Sam is picked or I’m picked we will congratulate each other and wish each other luck.”