Neil Jenkins believes Jamie Roberts has a big Test future despite a disappointing debut at full-back against South Africa.
Welsh great backs young full-back to star at Test level
Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins believes Jamie Roberts has a big Test future despite a disappointing debut at full-back against South Africa.
Roberts scored a try and made two crucial tackles - one against number eight Pierre Spies at full tilt - in Saturday's crushing 43-17 defeat, but endured a shaky start while offering little in attack.
However, Jenkins believes the 22-year-old Cardiff Blue, whose only other cap was won as a wing, will have learned from the gruelling series opener.
"Jamie is a young lad and probably didn't have the game he would have liked," said Jenkins.
"He is a fantastic talent and a huge player and sometimes you have to have an off day to realise what Test match rugby is all about.
Great talent
"He didn't have one of his better days last Saturday, but he is an excellent player, he was outstanding in the Six Nations against Scotland and will bounce back.
"Maybe he was a bit nervous but he is a great talent for the future."
Despite a below-par performance in Bloemfontein, Roberts is expected to keep his place in the side when Wales name their team for the second Test in Pretoria on Saturday.
However, there could be changes elsewhere as head coach Warren Gatland and his coaching team survey the wreckage of the disastrous outcome at Vodacom Park.
Gloucester back row Gareth Delve is one player who could benefit by replacing Dafydd Jones at openside in what would be the only start of his eight-cap Test career.
Delve chance?
Delve was first called up to the national squad five years ago but a succession of injuries prevented him from making his debut until 2006.
"The whole reason I went through the rehab was to get back and to pull on the red jersey," he said.
"It gets to the point when on a Saturday you get a bit nervous, but then you look at the amount of miles you have put and realise it was all worth it.
"When you run out and those first big hits come in, you would not be in any other place.
"The last few years have been a really frustrating time. It never gets any easier to see that you're not on the team list or on the bench.
"Being on the bench is not the worse thing because you are part of a fantastic squad."
