Pacey Jenkins set to give England front row a run for its money
Resurgent Wales prop Gethin Jenkins is obviously enjoying his game once again according to Paul Rees in The Guardian.
"Jenkins was one of Wales's stand-out players in their 2005 grand slam campaign, the Lions' first-choice tight-head when they toured New Zealand that summer. However, like many of his team-mates, he seemed to lose his way the following season and he was overlooked for Wales's first match under Gatland, against England at Twickenham a year ago, when he could only command a place on the bench.
"He had captained the side in their previous game, against South Africa in Cardiff following a poor World Cup campaign, and he said going into the match that Wales's problem was not one of ability but a failure to reach out for the last few inches. He was referring to thought, but Wales were flakier defensively then. While their attacking play in Scotland received acclaim, Jenkins's tackle [on Hugo Southwell], and that of the No.8 Andy Powell on Chris Paterson near Wales's line in the opening-half, was as defining. It is safe to say the 28-year-old prop has not only recaptured his form of 2005 but has taken his game on to another level."
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