Baxter backing Jenkins to bounce back at Chiefs

ROB Baxter has backed Dafydd Jenkins to bounce back from the disappointment of leading Wales to a first Six Nations wooden spoon in 21 years.

- PAUL REES

Wales may have lost their five matches, but the 21-year old second row had a strong tournament, hitting more attacking rucks than any other player and second behind Michele Lamaro in the tackles made table.

"He is a young man who is proud to play for and captain Wales," said Baxter, Exeter's director of rugby who gave Jenkins last week off having played every minute of the five games. "It has hurt him. I said to him that it was a bit like us at the start of the season with Wales, coming into a competition knowing it would be tough. It was about how individuals came together and the improvements you could make across it.