Wales travel to Twickenham off the back of an impressive victory over Scotland last time out, but the defending Six Nations champions are aware they will have to improve their game if they are to beat England. But Wales kicking coach Jenkins insists Wayne Pivac’s side are chomping at the bit ahead of a potentially titanic test match.
“It’s important we start well and stay in the game early on,” said the former Wales outside-half. “As the game progresses, I’d like to think we can impose ourselves on them as well.
“The start is important. They’re a good outfit, a good side and they’ve got some players coming back with a bit of experience, which will make them a little bit stronger.
“It’s a tough game, there’s no doubting that. We’re under no illusions but it’s something we’re really looking forward to as well.
“It’s a real good challenge for ourselves to see where we’re at.” Jenkins has been involved in some famous victories over England as a player, and as a coach.
In 1999 he kicked a late conversion which sealed an historic win over Sir Clive Woodward’s side at Wembley, while he was also part of the coaching side when Wales won at Twickenham in 2012 and 2015, respectively. When asked what the secret is to win at Twickenham Jenkins pulls no punched, and insists it’s all down to hard work.
“You have to play well, it’s plain and simple,” he said. “There is no easy way about it.
“In 2012, I remember winning that game but it was a very tough game. Scott Williams’ brilliance to win us the game and then some heroic defence to win us the Triple Crown that year.
“2015 was the same, just staying in that World Cup. We were under pressure for long periods of that game but Biggsy (Dan Biggar) kept us in the game.
“Gar’s (Gareth Davies) try later on was huge but there is no easy way about it. You have to be incredibly physical, you have to be incredibly disciplined and you have to take your chances when they come.
“It’s going to come on Saturday, they’re going to have chances but we’ve got to be defending well and when our opportunities come we need to take them. It’s plain and simple.
“We need to be ready mentally and physically because it’s going to be a tough afternoon. Everybody knows how big of a game it is.
“It’s not just a Wales-England perspective, it’s the Six Nations perspective as well. If we come out on top, it’s a good opportunity for us to go on and be competitive in the rest of the championship.”
Wales called world class No 8 Taulupe Faletau into the squad on Monday, after the Bath star impressed having recovered from a long-term injury. And Jenkins has no doubts Faletau will be up to the task should he be thrown in from the off.
“Obviously he’s a class act – we know that from previous experiences,” said Jenkins. “He’s a fantastic player and brilliant to have in the group, in terms of his personality as well.
“It’s just brilliant to have him back and your best players you want available, and Taulupe certainly falls into that category. The boys who’ve had a few niggles have been training.
“He (Josh Adams) seems all right. He trained with us yesterday and will train with us today.
“Hopefully they’ll all come through unscathed and make themselves available for us on Saturday.”
