Smith made his Wales debut in 2014 and has experienced some frustrating times.
He has played Test rugby every season since the 2014-15 season, but 30 of his Wales appearances have come off the bench and he has made just six starts in the last five campaigns, with only two during Warren Gatland’s 26-Test, second reign as head coach.
On three separate occasions, Smith has gone 400 days or more between Tests, and the Scotland game will be only the fifth time he has started two Tests in succession.
He has been battling with the likes of Gareth Thomas, Rob Evans, Wyn Jones, Corey Domachowski and Rhys Carre for the number one jersey during that time.
Smith’s former Ospreys team-mate Thomas is the surviving rival from that cohort in the current Wales squad, alongside Scarlets loose-head Kemlsey Mathias.
Smith had spent his entire career with Ospreys before joining Leicester Tigers last season and a string of good performances in the Premiership saw him recalled by Gatland for the 2024 autumn internationals.
“It’s been nice to be in the squad and get a bit more game-time than I’m used to,” said Smith.
“I’m just thankful and it’s a huge honour to have the opportunity to wear the shirt.”
Wales’ scrum was one of several positives from a much-improved performance against Ireland under interim head coach coach Matt Sherratt.
Smith was part of a new-look front row, with Dee and WillGriff John, which won three early scrum penalties against the Irish.
“We will look to build on that,” said Smith, looking ahead to the trip to Murrayfield.
“It was a good start – well I say start – against a tough Ireland team.
“We are looking for the same again and getting dominance in that area.”
