World Cup build-up starts here, says Jenkins

Wales coach Gareth Jenkins believes his first game in charge against Argentina will mark the start of his preparations towards next year’s World Cup.

Jenkins will lead out Wales for the first time on Sunday, when his young side face the Pumas in Patagonia, barely a month after being named as the long-term successor to Grand Slam winner Mike Ruddock.

Injuries and withdrawals have forced him to name a young and inexperienced team for the opening Test in Puerto Madryn but the new national boss believes Wales are building for the future by blooding so many young players.

“We took a view before coming to Argentina about what we wanted to get out of this tour,” said Jenkins.

“We wanted to expand our options and have the opportunity to work with talented young players who we feel are good enough to play international rugby.

“There have been a lot of time pressures on us as a new group of coaches and players to put in place a game plan to be successful in this Test match. So it has been a case of not trying to do too much too soon.

“This is a building process and we have been very pleased with the way the players have responded to the challenge.

“Sunday certainly presents a huge challenge but it’s one we are all prepared and happy to face.”

Jenkins has handed Test debuts to 21-year-old lock Ian Evans and 20-year-old Alun Wyn Jones, who will play in the unfamiliar role of blindside flanker rather than his usual place alongside Evans in the second-row.

“Undoubtedly Argentina’s biggest strength is their set-piece play so we must look at ways to attack their first phase as well as be effective on our own,” said Jenkins.

“We have taken a policy on the lineouts to have three jumpers and we are confident that Alun can play in that role.

“He has already shown in training this week that he is more than capable of doing the job.”

Wales’ preparations have been avidly watched by an enthusiastic local following ahead of the Test to be held in the Welsh-speaking region.

Amid remarkable scenes at Trelew airport, hundreds of red-clad Patagonians - some in traditional Welsh costumes – crammed to greet the Welsh team on their first visit to the area.

Jenkins said: “We have been overwhelmed and humbled by the welcome here in Patagonia.

“It will be an historic day for us all.”