Primarily a loosehead, James was forced onto the tighthead against South Africa last Saturday following injuries to Adam Jones and Scott Andrews. In a brutal encounter, Wales went down to a 24-15 defeat to the Springboks with James playing the second half.
He admits he sees himself primarily as a loosehead but will answer any call to pull on the red jersey.
“You do whatever you need to do – if it means playing on the tighthead then so be it,” said Bath man James.
“I don’t class myself as a tighthead but if you get an opportunity to put a Welsh jersey on, you’ll stick any number on your back.
“If I’m asked to do it, I’ll do it. I prefer to play loosehead, I am a loosehead, but if I can help Wales out and do a job there then I’ll do it.
“The bonus of playing international rugby is if you have to swap over, you still have the likes of Alun-Wyn and Warby pushing behind you – that makes a massive difference.”
James has been joined in the Wales squad this week by props Sampson Lee and Rhodri Jones, new arrivals who have bolstered the front row options ahead of Saturday’s clash with Argentina.
Looking back on the meeting with South Africa, in which Wales trailed the Springboks by just two points at one stage in the second half, James added: “I think if anything, it was disappointing. It was a physical test but I felt at times we were good and had the opportunity to win it. There are things to work and improve on in this week’s training.
“We got back within distance, had a couple of good hits and some good carries. The crowd got behind us and you’re thinking we can do this.
“We didn’t quite get there but we’re going in the right direction and we focus on the rest of the series now.”
Looking ahead, the immediate priority for James and Wales is Saturday’s meeting with Argentina before further Dove Men Series clashes with Tonga and Australia. James’ fellow front row colleague Gethin Jenkins is set to win his 100th cap against Daniel Hourcade’s Pumas and the Bath man said: “It’s a great achievement for Gethin and he thoroughly deserves it.
“He played well at the weekend and has had a good career for Wales. It shows he’s been on top form over the years and 100 international caps is a massive achievement.
“If you look at Argentina since the new scrum laws have come in, they’ve been really dominant so it’s going to be a big challenge up front.”
