"It could be a magical day for Wales," said the Pontypool man, 31, who reaches the personal milestone in Saturday's Six Nations decider against France.

"It's been a nervous tournament for me, I've been anxious before every team announcement as I knew that if I played every game I'd make it to 50 caps.

"I'll lead the team out with a mix of nerves and pride as my family look on."

The Ospreys lock has had a rollercoaster international career, winning his first cap in the record 96-13 defeat to South Africa in 1998.

"Even that was a proud day, despite the result," Gough told BBC Sport Wales.

"I've been through rough times with Wales and in rugby in general, but that just makes occasions like the Millennium Stadium on Saturday all the more special.

"You only appreciate what playing for your country means when it's taken away from you.

"I went through a period of about two years without getting a sniff of selection and I've spoken to Martyn Williams about it after his brief international retirement.

"There have been some amazing players who have worn this jersey before me and reached 50 caps.

"For me to get the chance to equal that and go for a Grand Slam is just amazing, I never thought this would happen in my career."

Gough insists that the minds of the Wales team are focused on the challenge that France will present.

"People are talking as if we've won the Grand Slam already, but that's ridiculous," he said.

"We haven't beaten France since the 2005 Grand Slam, and haven't beaten them in Cardiff for four years.

"Their whole league is based on a confrontational style, there's strength throughout the pack and the backs can attack you from anywhere.

"But our pack has responded to criticism this year. We're all working so hard and we've found the style that's suiting us."

(BBC)

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