HOOKER Scott Baldwin knows he has a hard act to follow if he gets the nod for his first Wales start against Fiji on Saturday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Ospreys man impressed off the bench in the autumn opener against Australia, playing his part in earning a penalty try that meant the hosts were 15 minutes away from glory.

Bernard Foley's late efforts mean that Baldwin, whose other cap came in the shock 2013 loss to Japan, is still waiting for a first Test win but the front rower could get up and running this weekend.

Boss Warren Gatland has hinted that those who came off the bench against the Wallabies will get starts against the Flying Fijians.

That would give Baldwin a chance to stake his claim to replace Richard Hibbard against South Africa.

The Gloucester man is not available to face the Springboks but was at his abrasive best against Australia to impress his former Liberty Stadium teammate.

"He was outstanding and he put his body on the line," said 26-year-old Baldwin. "His defence was really good and the way he turned to catch Israel Folau, after they broke from the 22, was excellent.

"I'm just enjoying competing with him for the shirt and coming on for him when I get the chance.

"Hopefully, I can make the squad for the Fiji game, but it's out of my hands. It's a case of putting the work in again and trying to build on what we have started over the past two weeks."

Baldwin remains confident that the losing streak to the southern hemisphere's big three, which currently stands at 21, will soon come to an end.

"It's just a case of when rather than if," he said. "We are still optimistic going in the games against the All Blacks and Springboks.

"We have to look at the way we played against Australia. We gave away a couple of silly penalties, but other than that it was a really good team performance from everyone who was on the field."