Jenkins backs ‘awesome’ Lake to continue as captain

Dafydd Jenkins has sprung to the defence of Wales captain Dewi Lake, saying he will “support him in what way he can”.

Lake was one of four Wales players yellow carded in last Saturday’s humiliating defeat by England and cut a sorry figure after the match, saying they let themselves and the nation down.

Jenkins knows all too well the pressures that go with the armband having led Wales during their 2024 Six Nations whitewash.

“You’re very emotional after the game, especially when you don’t do what you say you’re going to do,” said Jenkins.

“It can be very frustrating when all you’re trying to do is figure out solutions to the problems and then you have to go speak to the media.

Wales rugby legend Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Davies said it looked like Lake was “carrying the world on his shoulders” and questioned whether the captaincy should be handed over to Jenkins or fellow lock Adam Beard.

Jenkins said: “Dewi is an awesome captain and someone the boys get behind, a great bloke as well off the pitch.

“I’m trying to be there to support him in what way I can, probably not through words but by actions.

In a one-sided affair at Allianz Stadium, Wales continued to be plagued by poor discipline and a malfunctioning set piece, something they can ill-afford against a Grand Slam-chasing French side on Sunday.

Jenkins said no one was more frustrated in defeat than the players.

“The fans think it’s frustrating, imagine how we feel when we don’t do what we say we’re going to do,” he said.

“England are a class team, France are a class team, you can’t give them any easy ins or you’re not going to stand a chance.

“As players we’ve been very honest about that and the sort of the penalties you don’t need to give away.

“We can’t be expecting to win games when our set piece is not functioning, especially at national level, and then we can’t give up the gain line as easy.

Jenkins, 23, has captained Rob Baxter’s resurgent Exeter Chiefs side this season with the play-offs very much in sight.

“It’s class down there,” he said, citing quality players and quality people.

One of his good friends is Wales forward Christ Tshiunza who has been linked with a move to Cardiff next season.

“I hope he doesn’t [go], because he’s a good mate. We’ve come through all the age groups together,” said Jenkins.

Jenkins says there a similarities in terms of where Exeter were a couple of seasons ago and where Wales find themselves now.

“The thing with Exeter, it wasn’t huge changes we had to make, it was just the little ones, everyday training and stuff,” he said.

“You make those changes, have a good pre-season, have a good first few games, get that momentum and the season comes a lot easier.

“It’s similar here [with Wales]. We’re a young group and I believe if we continue to make those changes and push as a team, we will be a good side.