The Wales player performance no-one saw coming as Adam Jones’ influence increases
By Ben James
WillGriff John hadn’t played for Wales in over three years, but he put in a very strong performance on Saturday. By Friday in a Test week, Adam Jones’ work is largely done. There’s rarely a calling for live scrummaging the day before a Test, so the former tighthead tends to wander around the pitch, watching on. Whether it’s an overcast morning in Rome or under the Principality Stadium’s roof, the attire is the same: shorts, polo and a bodywarmer over the top.
Jones, Wales’ scrum consultant – on secondment from Harlequins, is known to be a scrummaging obsessive, tailoring his coaching methods to suit different players. WillGriff John, who had just two caps prior to Saturday’s clash with Ireland, surprised many with his performance. His solid carries, ball movement, and powerful counter-rucks stood out, with a notable presence at the scrum earning him praise.
Wales did their homework in the scrum department, targeting Ireland loosehead Andrew Porter’s scrummaging tendencies. Adam Jones’ coaching influence shone through as Wales effectively nullified Porter’s strengths, leading to a dominant scrum performance. Despite facing some challenges during the game, John remained solid in his first Test appearance in over three years.
The emphasis on Wales’ scrum dominance was evident throughout the match, showcasing the impact of good coaching in the team’s performance. With Jones’ scrummaging expertise, Wales strategically approached the set-piece to counter Ireland’s strengths, resulting in a commendable display by the Welsh front row.
Overall, John’s unexpected performance highlighted the importance of coaching and preparation in rugby. His resilience and adaptability on the field, coupled with Jones’ expertise, played a key role in Wales’ scrum success against Ireland. This match serves as a reminder of how coaching excellence can lead to remarkable outcomes in sports, even when faced with challenging circumstances.