Rugby Union: Jenkins kicks Wales into the reckoning

IF NEIL JENKINS goes on like this the talk in Wales will be of adding his name to the Millennium Stadium. It may take the unlikely realisation of a World Cup triumph for Cardiff's architectural masterpiece to be known as the House that Neil Built but Jenkins goes on and on, the metronomic efficiency of his right foot now one of rugby's wonders.

Twenty-nine points against France, including a world-record-equalling nine penalties, just 33 points short of Michael Lynagh's 911 all-time total. It has reached the point where if Jenkins miscues Welsh supporters are astonished. "What happened there?" one said on Saturday when a first- half attempt slid just wide.

When Wales lost their first two matches in the Five Nations last season, Jenkins' lack of genuine pace - the one weakness in an otherwise outstanding footballer - and a consequent flat alignment of the backs, was held against him, seen as a tactical problem that would inhibit advancement under Graham Henry's expert tuition.

However, if Jenkins does not cover the ground rapidly enough to be included in the pantheon of brilliant Welsh outside-halves, who in their right mind would think about taking the field without him?

There is nothing complicated about Jenkins' kicking routine - a few moments of composure, a look at the target and a swing of the leg - but the judgement of distance and flight is invariably so precise that he could have a yardage chart tucked into his shorts.

If Jenkins' strike-rate is a powerful element in the confidence Wales have gained from eight straight victories, technical improvements, collective and individual, speak of an enthusiastic response to Henry's tuition. The man from Auckland is quick to point out dangers in expectation but he had to be pleased with a performance a number of former internationals thought to be the best since he was persuaded to attempt a Welsh revival.

On the journey home I fell into a long and illuminating conversation with Thierry Lacroix. The former French outside- half detected a big difference in attitude between the Welsh players and his compatriots. "I think France will perform better in the World Cup," he said, "but they seem to suffer from spending too much time together. When I played for France it was a big thrill to be in Paris for international matches and I looked forward to the experience. I don't think some of our players have that feeling. It is more like work for them and that showed against Wales."

The work ethic is high on Henry's agenda but for the time being at least he won't find it necessary to raise spirits. "You always have to guard against coming down from a high and if we play as indifferently against Argentina next month as we did in the first half today they will put 20 points on us," he said.

Beginning with an unexpected victory over France last season, one that sprang from a vast scrummaging improvement, what got Wales going was the self-belief that Henry instilled. From having little to offer the World Cup as host nation other than the imposing structure raised on the banks of the River Taff, Wales have a team to support the notion of a long-awaited revival.

Lacroix was unequivocal in forecasting that New Zealand will win the World Cup - "their speed is frightening," he said - however, he thinks that Wales may have a lot to offer.

He is not alone in this. Saturday's victory impressed a number of people even if it took a while for Welsh attacks to develop consistent purpose.

Jenkins has made it to where he is by his own efforts. It only goes to show what a good Welsh boy can do if only he applies himself.