We’ve got to keep our cool
Jenkins calls for Wales to show a ‘disciplined edge’ in huge clash
Q: How are you feeling? It’s been a tough year for you, but now there’s a Triple Crown opportunity on Saturday? WP:
Nothing changes, really, in terms of how we’ve prepared over the last 18 months. A lot of hard work goes in.
We harp on about what has gone on in the past, but we’ve moved well and truly on. It’s about the here and now, where we’re at with this squad at this point in time.
There’s a Triple Crown on this game for us and that’s exciting. But it’s another big step forward and if we can get that 80-minute performance then there’s a bigger prize than a Triple Crown.
Q: It’s been said Wales respect winning - have we taken that for granted in the past?
WP: Winning certainly helps. It breeds confidence and self-belief. Without those two things it’s very difficult to win tournaments and individual matches within tournaments.
We’ve got the dream start with two wins under our belt, no matter how they come.
We’ve set ourselves up for a big game on Saturday.
It’s about an 80-minute performance – which you’ll hear coaches talk about all the time – and it’s a step-by-step process.
We feel we’re building and heading in the right direction.
Q: England have been accused of being predictable in attack, do you subscribe to that? WP:
People can call it what they like. They’ve been winning games of rugby. They’ve only lost one game in a long while.
You would say that they’re playing a winning style of rugby.
Q: Do you feel like you have what it takes to counter that style? WP:
We certainly hope so. We’re working on our game and getting the balance right in our own attack. You’ve seen what we’ve been doing and, at times, it hasn’t worked for us.
It hasn’t been as polished as we would like. We’ve made too many errors and we haven’t been as clinical as we would like throughout the autumn.
We think we’re slowly improving in this competition, heading in the right direction, and it was nice to score a few good tries against Scotland, but this will be a different proposition again. It’s certainly an ongoing process to get the balance right between field position and when to strike.
It’s something we’re working on.
Q: Louis Rees-Zammit has become an internet sensation - what do you make of his newfound stardom? WP:
I’m probably going to embarrass some family members, but I’ve got twin 14-year-old stepdaughters and they’re after an autograph and photograph when we get out of Covid!
He seems to be a sensation with the youngsters and a few of the grandmothers, from what I gather!
Look, he’s a good-looking young man, he’s burst onto the scene and he’s fulfilling a lot of promise that he’s shown at a young age.
I’m just pleased for him because the changes we’ve seen in Louis since
we first selected him during last year’s Six Nations have been phenomenal. He’s taken on board all the advice that’s been given to him from different coaches within the group. He’s worked hard at his game and he’s forced his way into this team.
We hope we’ll see many more performances like we’ve seen in the first few weeks.
I’m very pleased for him and the way he’s been operating.
Q: What is your reaction to France v Scotland being postponed? WP:
It’s unfortunate, isn’t it? It’s the world we are in. We talk in our group about preparing for chaos.
With chaos comes change and having to adapt. The tournament organisers, the French and the Scottish are going to have to adapt to some changes.
“We are going to do our utmost to And amid the push for a notable try and win the game. If we come out success, one of Wales’ key players centre on the wrong side, it won’t be George North - will become through a lack of effort. the youngest player in rugby union ALES assistant coach Neil “The boys will be emptying the history to reach 100 caps for their Jenkins has stressed a need tank tomorrow, as we all will, trying country, aged just 28 years and 320 for watertight discipline to make the nation proud of us.” days. amid the “edge” and “confrontation” targeted players in our team. We’ve “I have no doubt there are going to England captain Owen Farrell’s North made his Test debut as a he expects in Saturday’s Guinness spoken about him and we understand be some altercations, but let’s hope continued selection, meanwhile, has teenager in 2010 and he has gone on Six Nations clash against England. what he will be trying to do. It’s they are disciplined ones and it’s not been criticised in some quarters to score 42 tries for Wales, with 21 of
England boss Eddie Jones said he just about making sure we maintain on our side, anyway. You have got to given his apparent lack of form. those in the Six Nations. had warned his players about the our composure and our control.” have a disciplined edge. But Jenkins, who has worked with “He has just been incredible,” Jenkins prospect of being targeted with Asked if Wales tried to wind up the “Any Wales-England game is huge. Farrell on British and Irish Lions said. “It’s scary to think he is still wind-ups by Wales skipper Alun opposition, Jenkins said: “I don’t It’s what it is all about. It’s a game tours, added: “He is world-class, full only 28 and he has been going for 10 Wyn Jones, who on England’s most think so. like no other.” stop. years since his two tries on debut recent Cardiff visit two years ago “The game is the game. Things are The Principality Stadium would “He is a born winner. I am not too against South Africa. repeatedly niggled prop Kyle Sinckler. going to happen, people get on edge, normally be packed to capacity for sure about form – he won two trophies “He has been on the wing for a there are going to be confrontations. England’s visit, but ongoing restrictions in the autumn. He is an incredible long, long time, and is now at centre
Sinckler eventually conceded two That’s the reality. mean the fixture’s latest eagerly-awaited rugby player.” and moved there for the latter stages penalties in quick succession, leading “There is going to be edge tomorrow, instalment will take place Victory for Wales would secure a of the autumn and this Six Nations. to a pivotal shift in momentum there is no doubting that, but behind closed doors. Six Nations Triple Crown and represent I’ve got nothing but praise for and his eventual substitution as the reality is we have got to keep our “We understand what is going on a significant achievement by George.
Wales triumphed 21-13. discipline as well, keep 15 players on in the world, and we see it as a duty head coach Wayne Pivac’s team “He is a fantastic kid, a good person,
Speaking on Thursday, Jones said: the pitch, back our systems and not that we turn up and perform tomorrow,” given that they only won three Tests and he has had an incredible “At times, he (Alun Wyn Jones) has give England easy ins. Jenkins added. in total last year. career.”
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