Thursday Round-Up
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Thursday Round-Up
Jenkins wont play at 2019 World Cup
Gethin Jenkins will not play at the 2019 World Cup, Wales boss Warren Gatland has said.
However, he expects the 119 capped prop to play a big part in this years 6 Nations.
Gatland has said the appointment of referee Jerome Garces influenced his selection of Rob Evans at prop over Jenkins, 35, for Sunday's opener in Ireland.
"We've spoken on a few occasions during the World Cup about potentially what happens to him," added Gatland.
"Those discussions have been positive in making sure we respect what he's done for Welsh rugby."
Gatland says he has also spoken with the 119-times capped Jenkins about the need to nurture a long-term replacement.
"He knows he's not going to get through to 2019 and we've spoken about how do we manage the process where we bring someone on as a replacement, and his potential exit strategy as well."
Jenkins, who made his debut for Wales against Romania in 2002, has also played five Tests for the British and Irish Lions.
"He's a professional, he's been around a long time and I have no doubt that when he gets his opportunity he will come on and perform," Gatland added.
McCloskey can cope with Welsh midfield - Easterby
Ireland assistant boss Simon Easterby has backed Ulster centre Stuart McCloskey to deal with the powerful Welsh midfield duo if selected.
Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies are back together for Wales for the first time in a year and do provide a very big threat.
But Easterby reckons McCloskey has shown this season he can handle anyone.
“I think Stuart has shown he can cope, he’s played against some big teams this year,” Easterby told reporters.
“Toulouse weren’t a small team if anyone was up in Ravenhill earlier this season. I certainly was and I thought he did really well that day. He’s gone well in the physicality stakes against Saracens too.
“So he’s a big man and so are Wales. They’ve got threats across their back line, the same kind of size as Stuart.
“He’s well able to step up and that wouldn’t be an issue for him if he were to be selected.”
