Danny Wilson’s men scored six tries as they got their Junior World Championship campaign off to a winning start with Jenkins one of three debutants in the side.
Jenkins, who scored a hatful of tries for Pontypridd last season, failed to get on the score sheet in Nantes but says he enjoyed the experience nonetheless.
“To make my debut for Wales was a massive honour but to do it in a World Championship made it extra special,” said the Wales flyer.
“We’re building and we’ve got another two tough games against Scotland and Argentina to come.
“In a World Championship, results matter and as long as we’re winning I don’t mind if I don’t score.
“I’m happy to be doing my bit for the team, whether that’s scoring tries or doing my bit in defence and making tackles.”
Jenkins’ fellow backs Hallam Amos and Jack Dixon both crossed for tries while forwards Carwyn Jones, Ieuan Jones, Sion Bennett and Elliot Dee completed a convincing 42-3 win.
It was a great start to the tournament for Wales who now face Scotland in their second encounter on Sunday.
Sam Davies booted the rest of the points in a controlled display from fly half, a display for which Jenkins reserved special praise.
“Sam kicked really well today and led the line well while Jack (Dixon) is a big, strong ball carrier and the boys who came off the bench kept the game ticking over – we’ve got a really strong squad.,” he said.
“We scored a few tries in my corner but obviously the ball just didn’t quite come my way. I didn’t really mind, I was just happy to be out there and to get an emphatic win in the first game of the World Championship is what we wanted to do.”
Jenkins has enjoyed a startling end to the season, winning a domestic double with Pontypridd, representing Wales Sevens and now taking in a World Championship campaign.
“The last four or five weeks, it’s really taken off and after having quite a nasty injury at the start of the season, this makes all the recovery worthwhile,” said Jenkins after Wednesday’s win.
