 Gareth Jenkins says Jones' place is not guaranteed |
Ex-Wales skipper Mike Hall says the burden on Stephen Jones should be eased by taking the captaincy from him. "Stephen is implementing (coach) Gareth Jenkins' tactical plan on the field, worrying about the goal kicking, and is the key back at fly-half," said Hall.
"I would undoubtedly keep him at 10 but would think about the captaincy to change the focus of the side.
"You can't play James Hook and Jones in the same side. I would put Hook on the bench and bring Tom Shanklin in at 12."
Jenkins, who has had his own position questioned after the dismal 21-9 defeat to Scotland in Murrayfield, has been criticised for naming Jones as captain through to the World Cup.
 Jenkins and his coaching staff have been criticised by the public |
"Stephen does not have a guarantee that he will play because he is skipper," Jenkins told BBC Wales' Scrum V rugby programme.
"He's good enough to be in my side at the moment and I don't think the captaincy is affecting him, I stand by that.
"When you're not winning you are rightly vulnerable to criticism. I'm the accountable person and it's up to me to stand up to the questioning and make clear our position."
 | Frankly, I've no idea in which direction the coach wants Wales to head |
Post-match criticism of Jenkins was led by outside-half legend Barry John.
"I've never seen a Welsh side so dominated by such an average team, it was a shambles and Gareth must reassess," said the ex-Wales and Lions star.
"Two weeks ago Gareth was talking about the Welsh way. Frankly, I've no idea in which direction the coach wants Wales to head."
Former Wales and Lions three-quarter Hall acknowledged the concerns, but had some sympathy for Jenkins.
"There was no discernible game plan and no possession, the manner of the defeat surprised people and there has been a natural knee-jerk reaction," said Hall.
"Wales tried to play too much football in the wrong areas and did not get over the gain line.
"I think that Stephen has suffered from not having an option outside him. Hook is a young lad who is new to international rugby, and Jamie Robinson does not have a lot of Test experience, either.
| The coaching staff prepared us superbly, but we didn't deliver to our potential as players |
"Compare that to the options that Ronan O'Gara and Jonny Wilkinson have outside them with Ireland and England.
"Wales has gifted footballers and there is a "Welsh way" of playing, but we need the platform to play from."
Wales' leadership has received the full backing of the players, led by wing Mark Jones.
"Gareth is a hugely experienced coach and the players have massive respect for him," Jones told BBC Sport Wales.
"He's down to earth and has always dealt with pressure well and responded to criticism.
"The coaching staff prepared us superbly, but we didn't deliver to our potential as players. If we continue to work together we will get it right."
Jenkins could have additional options for selection against France in Paris in two weeks time.
"We hope to have Shane Williams and Haldane Luscombe back in the mix," said Jenkins.
"Kevin Morgan is fine after taking a real nasty blow to his cheekbone, but Hook is hobbling around with a twisted knee and will have a scan on Monday.
"We'll release about 12 players to the regions this weekend to scrutinise their form, and they could come into the selection equation.
"But those who have played in the first two Six Nations games will need a rest, we won't be trying to play them into form after Scotland."
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Interview: Wales coach Gareth Jenkins