This is best place to win, says Jenkins

GEORGE NORTH and Dafydd Jenkins are at opposite ends of their Test careers but both Wales stars are well aware of the importance of beating their old enemy, england.

The two sides meet again at Twickenham today in round two of the Six nations, with Warren Gatland’s rookie side eyeing what would be a shock victory.

‘It is probably one of the biggest rivalries,’ said north, who will win his 119th Welsh cap and make his 50th Championship appearance at the home of english rugby. ‘england against Wales is still a big game for everyone. There’s enough history behind it. We have got to go and get the result. We are excited to get stuck in.’ Jenkins, still just 21, became the second youngest captain in Welsh history behind Sir Gareth edwards last weekend as his team suffered a one-point defeat by Scotland. he leads Gatland’s men again at Twickenham. ‘I wouldn’t say it’s like any other game because england and Wales is special,’ said Jenkins, who has been in fine form for exeter this season and first captained the Chiefs at only 19.

‘There’s massive history behind the game. It’s a must-win game for us because of the place we are in the tournament. It’ll be the best place to win. For a Welshman there’s no better place.

‘If you win there you gain a lot of respect from them. It’s huge for us. It was a dream last week to lead Wales but it will be a lot better if we win.’ north sat out the 27-26 defeat by Scotland last weekend due to a lack of training time following a shoulder injury. his return in time to face england is a huge boost for Wales head coach Gatland. Indeed, north is one of seven changes made by the head coach from the Scotland game. Gatland this week instilled confidence in his young team, saying Twickenham ‘doesn’t hold any trepidation’. he added: ‘I don’t find it intimidating at all.’ Wales have lost their last seven in english rugby’s backyard.

But north, like Gatland, does know how to win there. he was part of the Wales side who tasted Six nations glory at Twickenham in 2012. he also famously helped his country defeat england at their home World Cup in 2015. north, remarkably, is still only 31. he has had a brilliant career and Wales will hope he will still have more to give. Gatland is rebuilding with a young squad but will need the expertise of the likes of north.

‘In a four-year cycle there is a lot of rugby to be played,’ said the former wing, who will join French side Provence ahead of next season and has now found a new home at outside centre. ‘Another World Cup camp is an interesting debate. That will be a coffee with Warren, I imagine. To get to that point, I have got to go for another four years. ‘Obviously, I can’t promise my body will still be in a position to fight and compete, but I am doing everything I can do day-to-day, week-to-week, to be the best I can be to perform.’ north isn’t going anywhere, not for now at least. he will surely have to be at his best if Wales are to claim another famous victory at Twickenham today.

‘The challenge is huge. We know that,’ he said of Wales’s latest england showdown.

‘We have prepped incredibly well. Daf has led from the front. We have got to start, as a minimum, where we finished against Scotland and really push on now. ‘I was the youngest for a fair few years. Luckily, I’m not the oldest still. Gareth Davies is keeping me in second spot which I’m happy about.

‘My drive has never changed. It’s always been about the three feathers, the honour, the privilege, and the respect I have for the jersey. It’s something that keeps me focused and keeps me working every day.

‘I’m sure there are a fair few people who say I should have finished a few years ago. But that fight in me to do best by Wales has always kept me focused.’