Hawkins Set to Challenge Scottish Lions
Scotland's Huw Jones, Finn Russell, and Sione Tuipulotu featured in the British and Irish Lions' first Test victory over Australia last summer. For Joe Hawkins, returning to Wales last summer was motivated by opportunities such as facing this formidable Scottish trio at Principality Stadium on Saturday.
The 23-year-old Scarlets centre earned his eighth cap during Wales' recent defeat to France in Cardiff on Sunday. This marked Hawkins' first appearance in the Six Nations since Wales' 2023 victory against Italy in Rome, which was their last championship win.
Following his move from Ospreys to Exeter at the end of the 2022-23 season, Hawkins found himself affected by the Welsh Rugby Union's cap selection policy.
"A big part in me coming back to Wales was to try and be part of the Welsh squad and to play in competitions like this,"
said Hawkins, who missed the 2023 World Cup due to his transfer to the Chiefs.
"I don't think there is a better international competition than the Six Nations. It's amazing being back involved."
Wales' Defensive Challenges and Upcoming Fixtures
Wales have faced criticism for their recent performances, with calls to improve their defensive structure after conceding 15 tries and 102 points in the opening two rounds of the Six Nations. The team is preparing for a challenging match against Fiji at Cardiff City Stadium, while also seeking to strengthen their coaching staff, particularly in defence.
Hawkins' Return and Centre Partnership
Since rejoining Wales with the Scarlets last year, Hawkins started in matches against New Zealand and South Africa during the autumn internationals. Against France last weekend, he was selected ahead of Cardiff's Ben Thomas and played alongside fly-half Dan Edwards and outside centre Eddie James for the first time at the international level.
This centre trio collectively holds 23 caps and may soon face Scotland's well-established combination of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones. The Scottish trio toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions last summer, playing together in the first Test and accumulating a combined 186 international appearances.
France's attacking prowess posed significant challenges for Wales, highlighting the defensive tests ahead.
"They've got quite a settled centre partnership, so whoever gets the chance this is a good test,"
said Hawkins.
"Tuipulotu's obviously a powerful ball carrier, but he's got nice subtle skills as well. Huw Jones has got a bit of gas and some nice running lines, so they complement each other well."
Scarlets Duo Could Face Glasgow Pair
The Glasgow centre partnership could face competition from a Scarlets duo if Hawkins and James maintain their positions over Ben Thomas and the returning Ospreys centre Owen Watkin.
James, aged 23 and standing 6ft 3ins, demonstrated promising ball-handling skills against France.
"He had an injury during the off season and since he has come back for the Scarlets he has been really physical in the carry and in defence,"
said Hawkins, who also partnered James at Wales Under-20 level.
"He has brought that into the Six Nations and he is a big man. When you've got people like that in the team you just want to get them on the ball as much as possible."
Defensive Work and Attacking Ambitions
Wales' defensive frailties have been exposed, but Hawkins' creative skills are vital for enhancing their attacking threat.
"We talk a lot about being a team that can excite the nation,"
said the centre, who also played fly-half for Scarlets earlier in the season.
"A lot of the best teams in the world believe in their style of game and wouldn't change. France double down on that and they are one of the best in the world.
After a couple of disappointing results it's not the time to go away from what is working, or going to work, for us moving forward. We just need to keep banging the drum."
Joe Hawkins made his Wales debut in 2022
