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Wales coaches will have selection headache ahead of 2019 RWC - Jenkins

18th June 2018


Ellis Jenkins insists Wales' summer squad members have given selectors a headache ahead of next year's 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The Cardiff Blues back row was named co-captain of the tour, alongside Dragons' Cory Hill, as his side claimed three wins from three against South Africa and Argentina.

With a majority of Wales' British and Irish Lions stars rested, there was a big emphasis on youth and development within the squad, as the likes of Tomos Williams, Dillon Lewis and Seb Davies were given an opportunity to shine in the red shirt.

Jenkins is excited by the strength-in-depth within Wales at the moment, and believes there are plenty of options available to the coaching team should any injuries occur ahead of next season's spectacle in Asia.

"This tour was about discovering the strength-in-depth we have. The boys knew it was an opportunity to put our hands up and be in the mix for World Cup selection, and I think a lot of boys in different positions have done that," said Jenkins.

"It's something that we thrive on and the fact that there is so much competition pushes us all to be better and pushes our performances.

"I think you see that when the boys are playing for their regions and internationally as well everyone has to be on their toes and put in their best performances or someone's there waiting to take your position.

"You look at the last World Cup and a couple of injuries late on maybe hampered us a little bit and we're hoping that if something similar happens this time there will be some boys to step in and ready to go.

"You take a really small squad of only 31 and potentially only five backrow players will go so I guess it probably would help a little bit but you just have to be one of the best five backrow playing at the time I think.

"It's been a season of two halves really. It got off to a bit of a stinker with my injury but I've enjoyed playing for the Blues this second half of the season.

"Getting on this tour and winning three from three is exactly what we wanted so it's a nice way to finish the season."

Wales' victory over Los Pumas saw them jump to third in the World Rugby rankings, and secured a first series win in South America since 1999.

Jenkins was proud of his side for maintaining their 100 per cent record in a hostile environment.

Jenkins said: "Saturday was another step-up again in a hostile environment. We knew we caught them cold last week, and I think they turned up probably expecting to roll us over, but we matched them on the day.

"We knew we'd have to step it up again and I feel we did that. We were probably a bit disappointed to concede a score just before half time, but we came back out, reset and went again.

"It was a game that we were fully in-control of so we can be very happy with the performance."

You can join Ellis Jenkins at Cardiff Arms Park next season with a 2018-19 Season Membership. With prices starting at just £205 for adults and £35 for under-16s, the Season Membership packages offer unbeatable value as Cardiff Blues return to the European Champions Cup. Buy yours today by clicking here or calling 029 20 302030