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 Go to guy Wales’ Jenkins on the brink of becoming No. 1 scorer
Posted: Thursday September 30, 1999 11:31 AM
CARDIFF, Wales (AP) -- Wales flyhalf Neil Jenkins is within striking distance of becoming the most prolific scorer ever in international rugby when he lines up against Argentina, Samoa and Japan in group games at the World Cup. The 28-year-old Welshman has scored 838 points for Wales, plus 41 points in three tests for the British Lions, for a total of 879 points in 69 tests. Current No. 1 Michael Lynagh owns the record after scoring 911 points in 72 tests for Australia spanning 11 years. Jenkins, who made his international debut eight years ago, scored 41 points in his maiden World Cup finals in '95 as Wales struggled to one win and two losses. But his performances since then have been more outstanding -- often against the odds on a losing team. The Cardiff pivot has been a key player in Wales' eight-game ubeaten stretch, notching 183 of the team's 281 points -- including 59 of the 69 points in the last two tests -- in victories against England, France, Italy, Argentina, South Africa and Canada. Jenkins' theory in his goal kicking success sounds simple enough. “I've played at many great grounds, but in terms of my kicking, I always try and view them the same -- a rugby pitch with a set of goalposts at each end,” he said. Although he admits nerves could play a part as the World Cup host kicks off its campaign Friday against Argentina in front of 72,500 screaming Welsh fans at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. After enduring criticism that he's only in the team for his kicking, Jenkins has also demonstrated his attacking flair by scoring nine international tries and creating plenty of opportunities for his outside backs during the Welsh resurgence.
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