‘I was about 5ft 6in’

Dewi Lake says he knew it would be “a hard nut to crack” after he was switched from the back row to the hooker four years ago.

But Lake, one of Wales rugby’s brightest young prospects, will continue his promising development when he makes his first Wales start on Saturday.

After winning four heads off the bench, the 22-year-old Lake had the chance to complete six nations against Italy this season, leaving a different impression on Wales boss Wayne Pivac and his coaching staff.

With the World Cup in France just 18 months away, Ospreys Forward Lake is an emerging force, adding significant competition for Wales’ number two shirt alongside the likes of Ryan Elias, Bradley Roberts, Elliot Dee and Ken Owens, who are currently injured.

When the former Wales Under-20 Captain Lake arrived at Ospreys Academy as a teenager, the back line was his field of expertise.

“I always talked to my dad if there was a chance in rugby, we would follow this avenue to do it,” said Bridgend-born Lake.

“From a young age we always thought the Hooker would eventually be a result with the harvest of the Backrowers Ospreys at that time, and Wales was always strong there.

“I knew it was going to be a hard nut to crack. I hadn’t grown back then, and was probably about 5ft 6in.

“It was hard work around set-pieces, and there are still fights. We work on it every day, and the improvements are coming slowly.

“It’s not an overnight job, and the work I do with the coaches is coming in. It’s nice that it’s fallen into place.

“I like the physical part of the game, so carry, pack, get over the ball, that’s what I enjoy and feel what I bring.”

Lake saw his progress last year through an ankle injury that meant a few months on the side.

But he recovered in time to make the selection for the Wales Six Nations squad, making his debut in the tournament opener against Ireland before adding three more appearances as a substitute.

“What helped me the most was possibly the transition to be drawn into the Wales squad in 2020 for the first time, so things were not so new this time around,” he added.

“It helped me learn faster with the squad and get up and running. It looks seamless, but there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes and I enjoyed my rugby and got out of the park.

“It was a big step up (in 2020) coming out of the under 20s where you were a big fish in a small pond, I think you were stepping into the environment where you were a very small fish.

“But the greeting you get from the group of boys just makes you feel comfortable. I think when I came to camp this time, it made me feel like you did not have to be too nervous.

“As far as development for me as a player is concerned, just working under the coaches here and with players like Dan Biggar and Alun Wyn Jones – training with that caliber player will bring a better player out of you.”