Jenkins urges his Wales team not to react to Scottish provocation
Neil Jenkins says Wales must keep their heads, both in the face of any Scottish provocation and with pressure mounting after a threematch losing run under new head coach Wayne Pivac.
The importance of discipline was underlined last weekend as France prop Mohamed Haouas was provoked into punching Scottish flanker James Ritchie, for which he received a red card, potentially costing his team a shot at the Grand Slam. Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones, meanwhile, controlled his emotions and chose not to react after England prop Joe Marler grabbed his genitals.
In a Six Nations championship that has appeared more niggly than ever, Wales skills coach Jenkins says it is crucial his team keep their cool against Scotland at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
“You’ve got to keep your discipline at this level,” Jenkins said. “You can’t afford yellow and red cards. We’ve been on the end of that ourselves and it’s very difficult to play with 14 men for 10 minutes, let alone long periods. You have to understand there are 15 players on either side who are right on the edge.
“Rugby is tense, physical and unforgiving. The bigger picture is keeping your discipline.”
The bigger picture for Wales is avoiding their worst Six Nations campaign since 2007, when they finished fifth. Pivac always had big shoes to fill in replacing Warren Gatland, particularly as he attempts to introduce a more expansive style. The key for Jenkins is knowing where and when to play.
“We’re certainly trying to evolve our game,” Jenkins said. “We have some talented players and that’s showing. There comes a point where, if you’re not getting front-foot ball, you make decisions not to play when the defensive line is set. It’s about understanding that better and getting that back in our game, as it’s been there before.”
Jenkins revealed that back-three players Leigh Halfpenny and George North would be fit, despite sustaining knocks against England.
Scotland, meanwhile, will be seeking their third successive win for the first time in the Six Nations.
“Scotland will be coming off a good win, fancying their chances,” Jenkins said. “We need to perform.”