Jenkins: We are on course - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Jenkins: We are on course

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins has launched a strong defence of his World Cup build-up plans in the wake of Saturday's record 62-5 defeat to England.

Jenkins also revealed he is to name his 30-man finals squad on Friday, four days earlier than originally scheduled and at the same time, he will reveal the Wales line-up to face Argentina in their penultimate World Cup warm-cup game at the Millennium Stadium on August 18.

"I really do believe that personnel are key to our lineout, in particular," said Jenkins. "We've got those personnel and it's about composure and identifying the type of calls we need to make."

He also promised Welsh fans that he, his staff and the players would be going all out to restore faith after the debacle in west London.

Jenkins said: "We've had a clear plan and know we are capable of being a really competitive team.

"Playing England was a part of the process and it was about going to Twickenham to get as much out of it as we could.

"I didn't feel Twickenham was the place to show our hand and really felt there was a need to condition what I call first-group players.

"It was always the case we were going to give a chance to the 40 players in our squad. In the long term we'll get payback from that as coaches, and we'll have a trust and regard from the players that are involved in Welsh rugby going forward.

"We commit to our values and deliver them and in the environment we're in that is key going forward, and we've done that.

"I'm sure there will be a different reaction when you see our performances against France and Argentina. What we do want is for the Welsh public to have trust and faith in us. There is a lot more to come out of this Welsh team."

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