Jenkins gets 'buzz' from leading Wales

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Cardiff Blues prop was a surprise choice by caretaker coach Nigel Davies for Wales' first Test match since their dismal World Cup flop.

"Pontypridd under-21s was the last time I captained a side, and I enjoyed that experience," he said. "There is obviously extra responsibility, but you do feel a bit of a buzz from it."

He added: "You look forward to everything and seeing how the team gels to the best of its ability.

"As captain, people look up to you all the time, looking for you to have comments on things."

Jenkins is among only six survivors in their starting positions from Wales' last game - the World Cup-ending defeat against Fiji in Nantes on September 29.

Absentees include the likes of Shane Williams, Gareth Thomas, Stephen Jones and Ian Gough - plus flanker Martyn Williams, whose post-World Cup Test retirement ended an outstanding international career.

And with full-back Morgan Stoddart and prop Rhys Thomas making their first Test starts, it is not exactly a Wales team overflowing with experience.

Even though South Africa are without World Cup winners Percy Montgomery, Butch James, Fourie Du Preez, Os Du Randt, Victor Matfield and Danie Rossouw, the combined team cap tally is still 10 more than Wales'.

Jenkins added: "I am looking forward to getting out there and seeing how we go. We have always got to think positively about the future. We want to get back to where we were, and this is the first chance for this group of players on Saturday."