Jenkins knows performance must be ‘outstanding’
ELLIS Jenkins will use elements of the captaincy style of three of Wales’ greatest players on next month’s three Test tour, but knows above all else he must lead by example.
The Cardiff Blues back row man is co-captain with Dragons skipper Cory Hill for the trip to Washington and Buenos Aires and two former Wales U20 team mates have sat down with Warren Gatland to thrash out the plan to tackle the Springboks and Pumas.
For both players it is a chance to cement their places at next year’s World Cup and Jenkins insists there will be no problems between the two regional rivals in juggling duties.
Hill had Jenkins in his side when he led Wales at the 2012 Junior World Championship and the Blues back row man followed him in that role the next year.
“Cory and I get on well and we both have the same approach to captaincy. Cory goes about his business and leads by example,” said Jenkins
“We have known each other years, so we’re not afraid to offend each other. If we disagree on anything, we can talk things out. We both just want to perform well and lead by example.”
Jenkins has spoken to Blues clubmates Sam Warburton and Gethin Jenkins, as well as the incumbent Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, ahead of the tour and admits he will be looking to follow their inspirational lead in his new role.
“Sam Warburton and Alun Wyn Jones have always led from the front, although Alun Wyn is probably a bit more vocal. Sam is very good at having a bit of dialogue with the referee to try to get him on his side.
“Gethin Jenkins has had the biggest influence on me playing wise and, from a leadership point of view, he doesn’t say much, but he is always the best player in training and in games.
“My main focus is making sure I’m playing well because it’s tough to tell anyone they are doing something wrong if your performances aren’t outstanding.”