Wales leapfrog England... now for their scalp
Gethin Jenkins overtook england legend Jason Leonard to become the world’s most capped prop on saturday but now the Welshman is targeting an even bigger Red Rose scalp.
On the afternoon of Jenkins’ 120th test, Wales became the first side to beat ireland at the Aviva stadium since 2013 and leapfrogged Pool A rivals england to fifth in the World Rugby rankings.
the ‘bragging rights’ are very much with Warren Gatland as he prepares to announce his 31-man squad today and Jenkins is focused on building momentum ahead of next month’s trip to twickenham in the World Cup.
‘it takes one or two games for us to get into things and everyone knows how hard our group is,’ said Jenkins after his team’s confidence-boosting win through a Justin tipuric try and 11 points from Leigh halfpenny’s boot. ‘Players don’t look at the rankings but a big win on the road will only boost our confidence. Both teams knew there are bigger things coming up over the next few weeks.’
Jenkins (right) went head-to-head with Leonard at the 2003 World Cup and will receive confirmation at noon today that he has been selected for the fourth campaign of his 15-year career.
he joked that Gatland ‘forgot’ about his milestone appearance in Dublin, but the kiwi can be forgiven if his mind was elsewhere as he finalises a a squad made up of 17 forwards and 14 backs. Most of the tough calls — notably the axing of Lions trio Richard hibbard, Mike Phillips and James hook — were made earlier this month and remaining decisions hinge on lastminute fitness updates regarding winger Liam Williams and utility back Gareth Anscombe.
‘Liam is ahead of schedule but he’s still probably not going to be involved for the first game or two,’ said Gatland. ‘Gareth is a two or threeweek injury as well. You might be able to carry one or two injured players but you’ve got to be careful. there will be a couple of tough calls.’
Gatland has displayed his ruthless selection edge and Lions winger Alex Cuthbert — marginalised during the six nations and tested defensively in Dublin — could be the next big casualty if the coaching committee decide to select hallam Amos and eli Walker for the Group of Death involving not only england but Australia and Fiji.
international rookies Ross Moriarty, the flanker, and tomas Francis, the prop, are also hoping to win their World Cup stripes. Moriarty is vying with James king and Bradley Davies while Francis is tipped for selection after completing the transition from social student player to international. Francis, 23, was 10 years old when Jenkins made his test debut in 2002. On saturday they paired up to anchor the Welsh scrum and Yorkshireborn Francis showed glimpses of his potential overlooked by Red Rose coaches. ‘tomas was really good,’ said Jenkins. ‘Our scrum was quite solid.’