Joy for Jenkins as he scores his try

"But Neil has been around a long time now and sometimes the criticism starts to hurt, but he has proved against France that there is no one better than him and we need him at the helm," Young said.

Jenkins' 28-point contribution to one of the most thrilling games since the Six Nations began was praised in the highest terms by coach Graham Henry.

Dilemma

"He's a game winner - a drop goal, a try and a conversion. Brilliant!" Henry said.

Wales resurrected their Six Nations season in the scintillating 43-35 win in the hostile atmosphere of the Stade de France, outscoring the home side four tries to two.

But behind the celebrations lies Jenkins' dilemma and a serious long term problem for Wales.

Try scorer Dafydd James leads the celebrations

On Saturday's performace, Wales will struggle without their ginger talisman and Graham Henry has always turned back to the 29-year-old after tinkering with the outside-half position.

Stephen Jones took over at the end of last season's Six Nations and Arwel Thomas found favour last autumn, but Wales returned to the dependable Jenkins and he returned the compliment in style.

The Church Village-born points machine had been creaking of late, with unusually muted displays against Scotland and England.

But the cogs turned smoothly against France as Jenkins hammered over three penalties, four conversions and two drop goals - the first a sublime effort - before crossing for the match-sealing try.