Wales can take faith from Exeter Chiefs' resurgence, according to Jenkins who sees 'similarities'
Rugby NewsSaturday, 14 February 2026 at 18:00
Exeter Chiefs’ Dafydd Jenkins has stated that his national side can take inspiration from the Sandy Park outfit, as Wales aim to conclude their rebuild prior to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Rob Baxter’s Chiefs’ side underperformed in last season’s Gallagher Prem, but they are undergoing a significant rise in form as they have moved from a mid-table side in the Prem into a position for silverware in the domestic league and in the Challenge Cup.
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The Devonians have been drained of confidence for some time, and, like Wales, their identity has remained unclear. It was only in 2020 when Exeter claimed a remarkable Champions Cup and Prem double, but they’ve not looked likely for some time.
But with some crucial wins against the Saracens at StoneX and Sale Sharks, Baxter’s side have shone a light on some incredible defiant moments, something which Jenkins insists Wales can take inspiration from.
“I definitely see similarities in terms of where we were,” began Jenkins, who has been selected in Steve Tandy’s starting XV to face France tomorrow afternoon at Principality Stadium.
“The thing with Exeter, it wasn’t huge changes we had to make; it was just the little ones. In sort of everyday training and stuff, you make those changes have a good pre-season, have a good first few games, get that momentum, and the season becomes a lot easier.
“It’s similar here (with Wales). We’re a young group, I believe, if we continue to make those changes that we’re making and push as a team, we’ll be a good side.”
On whether there was a moment that sparked improvements for the Prem side, Jenkins added: “You probably see it in these tough times. If you look around when you’re at your lowest, you see how hard the boys are willing to fight when results aren’t going your way.
“You learn a lot about people when you’re there. We’re learning a lot about ourselves here in Wales at this time, so I wouldn’t say there’s an exact moment.
“But it’s the process where you build that sort of trust, and you get to know the people you’re playing with, because you can always improve the skills. That comes from momentum as well.”
Wales face yet another daunting task as they welcome ‘Les Bleus’ to Cardiff tomorrow, who enter the contest off the back of easing past Ireland 36-14 last timeout. In the Six Nations, Wales have had a torrid time of late, having not secured a result in the championship in almost 3 years.
Head coach Tandy has made four changes to his side, which were put aside with ease at Allianz Stadium against England, with Rhys Carre and Tomas joining Dewi Lake in the front-row.
Olly Cracknell comes into the back-row to join both Aaron Wainwright and Alex Mann, as Ben Thomas is the only replacement in the back-line with Joe Hawkins coming into the attack.
The 46-year-old head coach has selected a side which has not beaten France since the quarter-finals of the 2019 World Cup in Japan, but Jenkins stated that memorable moments like that in Oita will come again for Wales.
“I think, like with Exeter, it didn’t happen overnight, did it,” continued Jenkins.
“We had to have a couple of seasons, we had to have a good pre-season, then you start getting momentum. I personally see where this group can go.
“I’m confident that by the time we get to the World Cup, we’ll be firing, causing teams a lot of problems.”
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