WELSH rugby is certainly going through a purple patch, with the national side top of the Six Nations standings and only two wins away from a second Grand Slam of Warren Gatland’s reign.
Last autumn Wales reached only their second ever World Cup semi-final – eventually going down to France in the last four by a solitary point in controversial fashion after Sam Warburton’s early red card – and the feel good factor has continued this season.
Part of the reason for their success has been a new-found strength in depth with a number of players pushing the usual suspects hard for a starting place.
Right across the park there is quality waiting in the wings, with the only weakness maybe being in the props.
Stalwarts Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins have 163 caps between them and have been the corner stones of the Welsh pack for almost a decade.
Beneath them the well seems to be a little dry with very few players – maybe with the exception of Rhys Gill – putting their hand up as future replacements for the British Lions duo.
However, one youngster is hoping he can become a mainstay of the Welsh pack for years to come, but is at present simply enjoying the chance to train with the best Wales has to offer.
Rhodri Jones, from Machynlleth, earned his first senior Wales call-up for the December meeting with Australia, and must have impressed after being named in Gatland’s Six Nations squad.
“It has been a great experience and great exposure for me to the national squad,” said the 20-year-old former RGC 1404 youth prop.
“I have learned a huge amount from training and being around players like Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones with all their experience and working with (forwards coach) Robin McBryde as well. Gatland has also given me a few tips as well, scrummaging wise. It has been good.
“It has come quick, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hopefully I can get more exposure.”
Jones has a special talent for a prop in that he can work on both sides of the scrum.
However, he said as yet he is unsure as to what his favoured position actually is.
“I don’t know myself to be honest (whether it is loose-head or tight-head),” he said. “At the moment I feel I am a better loose-head, but in time maybe tight-head is where I will be at.
“With loose-head you are free to run around more and do more carrying and tackling. Carrying is a part of the game I really enjoy, while with tight-head you are more tied down. It is more of a challenge scrummaging-wise, but I enjoy the scrums as well. I enjoy both sides.
“At international level one prop has got to be able to play both so it is a great asset to have.”
He added: “I think I need to have more game time at tight-head to improve, but that is the case for every position.
“I have played a few games there for Llanelli at semi-pro level and a few regional games. I came on against Castres in the Heineken Cup, which was tough, but I thought I finished off well in that match.”
Jones has been released by the senior side to return to the Scarlets for tomorrow night’s Celtic League clash with Connacht. And with prop Iestyn Thomas set for a stint on the sidelines with a neck injury, Jones has another chance to prove his worth.
He added: “It is unfortunate that Iestyn is out but I have got to take my chance and hopefully the chances will come. Iestyn has been great helping me along, he is more than happy to help.
“It is going to be a happy Welsh camp and hopefully we can carry on winning.
“Friday is a massive game for us. We have to win and push for a bonus point as well, although Connacht are a tough side – we will have to play well.”
Jones is one of four North Walians making a name for themselves at the Scarlets, along with Andy Fenby (Llandudno), Rob McCusker (Wrexham) and George North (Anglesey).
“I am sharing a flat with George,” Jones added. “I used to play Under-u5s in North Wales and went to college with George in Llandovery. We are good friends and have come down to the Scarlets so it was natural we would end up sharing. It is great to see him do well – it is a happy flat at the moment!”
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