Both Davies and Jenkins watched the 42-3 win in Nantes as proud parents, their respective sons Sam and Owen playing key roles in the victory.
Fly half Sam Davies kicked three conversions and two penalties at the Stade Pascal Laporte while Owen Jenkins, on his junior international debut, was part of a backline that looked a constant threat, especially after half time.
It left their respective parents happy with a winning start though both admitted to nerves during the match.
“It was good. It was a bit more nerve wracking than normal, I find it harder watching my son play than any of my teams,” said Nigel Davies, currently Director of Rugby at Gloucester.
“It was a good start for Wales, they were solid in the forwards and they can build on that.”
“It was a fantastic rugby occasion,” added Garin Jenkins, who won 58 caps for Wales.
“Rugby in France with the sun shining is always great and for Wales to come off the field unscathed against Samoa was a big plus.
“To represent your country is fantastic at any time and to see one of your family playing for Wales is a proud moment.”
In what was a comfortable win for Wales, Sam Davies kicked a pair of monster penalties at the end of the first half to give his side a comfortable interval lead.
It allowed Wales to run riot after the break, forwards Carwyn Jones, Sion Bennett, Ieuan Jones and Elliot Dee all crossing after half time. The tries followed first half scores from Hallam Amos and Jack Dixon.
And while head coach Danny Wilson insisted there was still room for improvement, it was a performance which bodes well for Wales’ second pool game against Scotland on Sunday.
“I think as a goal kicker if you miss your first couple you just have to remain focused and Sam did that,” said Nigel Davies on his son’s performance.
“He pulled himself back into the match with his goal kicking and he had a solid game. This tournament is great for these boys as they’re completely out of their comfort zone. You’ve got to be here to experience the type of atmosphere they’re being exposed to.
“Samoa were a very physical team and it was very hot out there, very humid and it was all alien to them. They have to learn how to adapt and they did that really well.”
