Jenkins feels the press criticism has been unjustified and too personal

The Wales players and coaches say they have been hurt this week by reports of a rift over their tactical approach in games against Canada and Australia.

But Jenkins insists all is well and has hit out at the newspaper reports.

"There is a campaign out there trying to de-stabilise everything and anything," said Jenkins.

Interview: Wales coach Gareth Jenkins

We have to deal with some of the press and how they decide to go about their profession Gareth Jenkins

"A lot has been said about the split in the camp and it is hugely manufactured, and there is no substance to it all.

"The environment is great and we have been growing as a group every week.

"We are fine as a group, we have taken that defeat against Australia and we have spoken about it and dealt with it and now we move on to Japan."

Wales take on Japan at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday [2000 BST] having beaten Canada and lost to Australia so far in their pool.

Recent reports suggested that the Wales players were unhappy with how the coaching staff decided to approach their opening game against Canada.

In particular, senior squad members Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams were unhappy with how interviews they gave earlier in the week were interpreted, understood and eventually reported.

606: DEBATE I feel that Gareth Jenkins and his 'backroom staff' should resign from their jobs cardiffboi

"Martyn in particular was really peeved as was Stephen and they have really been manufactured and they bear no resemblance to the interviews given," added Jenkins.

"It is sinister really. But it is where some papers are and where some editors are.

"We have to deal with some of the press and how they decide to go about their profession.

"We can't affect it and do anything about it except ignore it and deal with it and put it out of the way."

Jenkins feels that much of the criticism is personal, but stressed that despite the recent negative reports the mood in the camp is fine.

He also believes that he has the strong backing of the Wales supporters, who will get a chance to see their side at the Millennium Stadium on Thursday.

"There are personal issues and agendas going on where the press have personalised everything," he said.

"It's hard to believe what the hell is going on and it's very disappointing, but that negativity has not come into the squad.

"We are very tight and we all have a huge respect and regard for what we are trying to achieve.