JUSTIN Tipuric has made his name by being surprisingly fleet-footed for a man that wears 7 on his back and the Wales flanker hopes to be just as elusive after tonight’s Test in Cardiff.

The Ospreys openside will win his 50th cap in the Six Nations clash with Ireland at Principality Stadium, an occasion that has both pre-match and post-match rituals.

Tipuric will have the honour of leading out Wales and then, hopefully after helping Wales to a much-needed win, he will have to serenade his teammates.

“I’m going to try and run off and not sing, that’s what I’m planning! I’ve got a dreadful voice and there’s only one song I really know and that’s ‘My Girl’ from Temptations,” said the 27-year-old.

“When I was with Trebanos Youth that was the song I had to sing on tour. It’s the only song I know, so if I make it, unfortunately I’m going to have to sing that and go for gold.”

“It’s something I didn’t think I’d get,” he continued. “It’s creeped up and it’s a nice achievement to have. When you start playing you’re happy to get one cap.”

Tipuric made his Test debut against Argentina in 2011 and his number of appearances as a replacement, 26, still outnumbers his starts.

However, he has been given the 7 jersey in all three Championship games this season along with the November Tests against Australia, the Pumas and South Africa.

After frequently being back-up to the trio of Dan Lydiate, Sam Warburton and Taulupe Faletau, Tipuric isn’t one for England boss Eddie Jones’ talk of “finishers”.

“It’s always tough being on the bench,” said Tipuric, who was a replacement in his sole Lions cap in the third Test against Australia. “It’s a hard thing to do to come off the bench and try and add something to the game.

“No player likes being on the bench and you try and do your best for the team.”

Tipuric’s Test high was the famous 30-3 win against England in 2013, a success that earned Wales the title, but there is no chance of silverware this season.

However, the need to avoid another World Cup group of death means there must be a strong finish to the campaign with a trip to Paris following the Irish encounter.

Joe Schmidt’s side head to Cardiff with title ambitions and a formidable pack featuring loose forwards CJ Stander, Sean O’Brien and Jamie Heaslip.

“They’re a great team. Not many teams beat the All Blacks and they’ve done that,” said Tipuric.

“They’re very strong up front and set-piece wise. They’ve got a good scrum, a great line-out and they’re very physical around the park.

“We know exactly what type of game it’s going to be. We’re going to be battered and bruised afterwards and that’s what the games against Ireland are like.

“They’re big, heavy and powerful and it’s going to be a tough test.”

Wales suffered against Scotland openside Hamish Watson in Edinburgh and are wary of a varied approach from tonight’s guests.

“Ireland mix it up quite well,” said Tipuric. “They are known for their choke tackle while Sean and CJ both like to get over the ball, Jamie as well

“So you’ve got to expect everything really, because they’ll mix their game up and you’ve got to be switched on for everything they do.”