Six Nations 2026: Hawkins Eager to Face Scotland's Lions with Wales
Hawkins made a triumphant return to Wales with the Scarlets last year, showcasing his skills against New Zealand and South Africa during the autumn internationals. His impressive performance led to his selection over Cardiff's Ben Thomas for the match against France, where he lined up alongside fly-half Dan Edwards and outside centre Eddie James for the first time at the international level.
This dynamic trio, collectively boasting 23 caps, now faces a formidable challenge from Scotland's well-coordinated trio of Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, and Huw Jones. These players have a strong bond, having toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions last summer and sharing 186 international outings for Scotland.
France's performance against Wales highlighted the team's defensive vulnerabilities, conceding 15 tries and 102 points in the first two rounds. However, Hawkins' playmaking abilities are crucial to Wales' offensive strategy, aiming to excite the nation.
"Their centre partnership is well-established, making it a challenging test for whoever gets the opportunity," Hawkins remarked. "Tuipulotu is a powerful ball carrier, but he also possesses subtle skills. Huw Jones brings speed and strategic running lines, complementing each other effectively."
The Glasgow combination could potentially face a Scarlets duo if Hawkins and James can maintain their position over Thomas and the returning Owen Watkin from the Ospreys. James, a 23-year-old 6ft 3ins tall, demonstrated his potential with ball in hand against France.
"He faced an injury during the off-season, but since his return to the Scarlets, he has been physically dominant in both carrying and defense," Hawkins shared, recalling their partnership in the Wales Under-20s. "His impact in the Six Nations is significant, and we aim to maximize his involvement on the field."
Despite the defensive setbacks, Wales is determined to focus on their strengths. Hawkins emphasized the team's commitment to their playing style, drawing inspiration from the success of top teams worldwide, including France, who doubled down on their strategy.
"We aim to be a team that captivates the nation," Hawkins stated. "The best teams globally trust their game plan and don't waver. France exemplifies this, and despite recent disappointing results, we must stay true to our strategy and keep pushing forward."
