Jenkins seeks Wales consistency

GARETH JENKINS admits that Wales’ RBS 6 Nations history has veered too often between the good, the bad and the ugly — and he is determined to change that.

In 2005, it was the good. Wales won their first Grand Slam in 27 years, playing magnificently attractive rugby en route to clinching the title against Ireland at the Millennium Stadium.

But last year was both the bad and the ugly. Wales imploded after suffering a catalogue of injuries and the upheaval of Mike Ruddock’s sudden departure. As defending champions they managed just a single victory and were held to an 18-18 draw by Italy, the Azzurri’s best ever away result in the Six Nations.

But Jenkins heads into this year’s tournament — his first as Wales head coach — determined to rekindle the spirit of 2005 and iron out those inconsistencies.

“The good, the bad and the ugly – that would be a good way to describe us in the Six Nations,” he said.

“I feel that on our day we can beat anyone in the world but my challenge as the new national coach is to grow a far more predictable consistency. That is the challenge of the team. It is about getting to a high quality performance and keeping that in place week in and week out.

“On our day, we can play a style of rugby that can beat anyone in the world. We know that. It is about drawing that out on a more consistent basis.”

But all that is dependent on one key factor — the availability of senior players. And in that department Jenkins faces a considerable headache just over a week before Wales face Ireland.

Injuries to Shane Williams and Mark Jones will force a reshuffle in the back three, which is likely to see Gavin Henson pressed into action at full-back.

But Jenkins also has a midfield dilemma. Tom Shanklin is a major doubt after pulling out of Cardiff’s game this weekend with a recurrence of a thigh injury. He has not played since December 27.

Gareth Thomas could slot into the midfield as cover — but he has a disrepute charge hanging over him for an incident during the fiery Toulouse versus Ulster Heineken Cup game.

If the ERC organise the hearing for next week and Thomas is found guilty, any ban would also apply to Six Nations matches.

The loss of both Shanklin and Thomas would leave Jenkins with slots to fill at both wing and outside centre. Hal Luscombe is a leading contender for both positions, which could leave then door open for either Cardiff centre Jamie Robinson or rookie winger Chris Czekaj.

Either way, Jenkins faces tough decisions when he meets with the coaching staff to nail down the starting XV.

“Sunday night is going to be a difficult night and we are going to burn the midnight oil. It will be difficult because we have selection headaches in front of us,” he said.

Jenkins will name his squad on Tuesday morning. Former Wales captain Michael Owen has admitted to being “devastated” at being left out of the Six Nations squad.

Owen has struggled to regain his form since undergoing a shoulder operation at the start of the season, and he has been overtaken in the pecking order by the likes of Scott Morgan, Jonathan Thomas and Colin Charvis.

Owen said: “I was devastated because I feel I’ve been a top performer for Wales... I feel I’ve got a lot to offer the Wales team. Obviously the coaches have got their own ideas. You’ve just got to respect that and just try to look after what you can control.”