Six Nations 2024: Captain Dafydd Jenkins says Wales can cause upset in Ireland

New captain Dafydd Jenkins believes Wales can cause a Six Nations upset by defeating Ireland in Dublin.

Ireland are bidding to become the first side to win back-to-back Grand Slams in the Six Nations era.

Wales have lost nine out of the past 10 games in the tournament but Exeter lock Jenkins has "100% belief" his side can shock their hosts.

"If we didn't think that there would be no point in going there in the first place," said Jenkins.

"We have full confidence we can win and do a job, although it is going to be tough.

"There is a lot of excitement. It's a massive challenge going to Ireland, who are probably the number one team in the world at the moment.

"It is exciting to challenge ourselves against the best with no fear and no pressure."

Jenkins, 21, admits he is not comfortable with the idea of leading a side who are not expected to win matches.

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Wales have suffered narrow defeats against Scotland and England in this Six Nations, while Ireland have enjoyed comfortable wins against France and Italy.

"You don't like being underdogs because you work so hard to be the best, but that's the state we are in," said Jenkins.

"Fair play to Ireland, they are a class outfit and have demonstrated why they are the best team in the world in the last couple of weeks.

"We have had that underdog tag for quite a while now, but [are] still not winning.

"We are chasing that win and there is no pressure on us, we've got nothing to lose. We just need to go out there, leave everything out there and see what can happen."

New Wales captain Dafydd Jenkins has lost his first two games in charge by a combined total of just three points

Jenkins believes the rest of the Wales side must follow the example of flanker Tommy Reffell, who has been his nation's most effective player so far in the tournament, especially in the contact area.

"He is probably one of the best in the world at the breakdown and proved that in the last couple of weeks and it is an honour to play with him," said Jenkins.

"We've all got to step up in that department, but he is leading the way in terms of his performances.

"When you see a player doing special things like he did at Twickenham and against Scotland, it makes you want to raise your game. We all must do that in Dublin."