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Ben James

Stephen Jones delivers verdict on Wales' misfiring attack and admits 'we need more strings to our bow' moving forward

Stephen Jones admits Wales' attack has yet to fire on all cylinders although he believes there have been moments of promise during the Six Nations.

Having been the top-scorers last year, the defending champions have only crossed for five tries in this year's tournament. Last Friday's defeat to France was the first time they'd failed to cross the whitewash in a home Six Nations match since 2009.

Understandably, that has led many to question where Wales are going, given the expectation was that Jones and Wayne Pivac would introduce a slicker offence given their exploits at the Scarlets. You can read more reasons about why Wales' attack hasn't functioned here.

READ MORE: The two stars who can bring some dynamism to Wales' failing Six Nations attack as they finally get chance to play together

However, Wales attack coach Jones believes that while not perfect, the team are heading in the right direction, with the 2023 World Cup firmly on the horizon.

"I think we have played in patches, if I am honest," said Jones. "I thought we were slow to get going at the start of the tournament, and I felt we gathered a good bit of momentum going into the England game.

"I would say for 30-35 minutes in the second-half we were in a real good place. Looking back at the last game, the nature of that game was always going to be different in the sense that we were playing a French team that kick a huge amount of ball, and we had to better that and manage our energy in a smart way.

"To sum up, we were slow starting. We have played some good minutes in patches in certain games, but are yet to have a complete performance. What I am really happy with is the boys' effort and attitude in the week.

"Would I like to have crossed for more tries at this point in the campaign? Yes, is the answer to that, but we are working hard to make sure out attacking game is potent.

"What we have to do, come 18 months' time, is be able to play the game in a number of ways and have different styles and strings to our bow. That's just what we have to have in our armoury."

In addition to the attack, Jones was full of plaudits for fly-half Dan Biggar. The Northampton playmaker will win his 100th Welsh cap when he captains the team against Italy this weekend.

Only three other northern hemisphere fly-halves have reached a century of caps. Irish duo Ronan O'Gara and Johnny Sexton have played over 100 times for their country, as has Jones.

So few are better placed to understand what an effort it is for Biggar. "It's an incredible achievement," said Jones. "He has worked so hard on his game. Every year, he evolves his game.

"He pushes standards in training, he is a winner. He has led the group this campaign, and he has been excellent. The fact he is achieving 100 caps at home in Cardiff is brilliant for him."

Jones is also well-placed to understand the scrutiny that accompanies the role. Welsh rugby's goldfish bowl exerts more pressure on the fly-half than any other position and Jones is full of admiration for how Biggar has dealt with that side of the game.

"You have to develop your mental resilience," he said. "That's one aspect that you have to make sure you are solid on. It's part and parcel of the number 10 jersey.

"You fully realise the responsibility that goes with that when you play for Wales. So much is asked of the number 10s, whether it be their decision-making, how they manage the game, goalkicking. It's a huge responsibility that goes with the jersey."

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