Wales suffered the same fate as Joe Schmidt’s side at BT Murrayfield last weekend as Scotland came from behind to inflict a second RBS 6 Nations defeat on Rob Howley’s men. The loss came two weeks after they fell just short against England, despite a heroic effort.
Jenkins wants Wales to rediscover the form that almost saw them end the Red Rose’ run of 16-matches unbeaten. But he has warned they will have to deliver their best performance of the championship if they are to overcome Johnny Sexton and co.
He said: “Ireland are a good side, there is no doubting that, we want to bring our A-game. We need to bring the game we brought against England and more, and if we do that we have a very good chance. Joe Schmidt is a fantastic coach who will prepare Ireland very well. But I’d like to think we’ll be climbing up the walls to get ready for this game.
“It’s a huge game for us, we’re at home, we have to win and it’s as simple as that. You don’t beat New Zealand unless you are a ridiculously good side, and they’ve done that. They had a tough game up at Murrayfield like us, but with Jonny Sexton at 10 they played well, he only makes them stronger.”
Ireland recovered from their opening defeat with victories over Italy and France keep themselves in the hunt for the RBS 6 Nations title. And Jenkins has urged Wales to take their chances if they are to get back to winning ways under the Friday night lights.
He said: “We had numerous chances to score on Saturday, we need to keep doing what we’re doing, keep trying to get better and when these chances occur we have to take them. This is Test match level, we have to score tries.”
