Josh Adams’ outstanding impression on Test rugby has left him on the verge of a Rugby World Cup record for Wales as the wing prepares for the biggest week of his career so far.
Adams has already scored five tries in Japan, putting him one behind fellow wing Shane Williams’ Wales-best mark of six, set during the 2007 tournament.
The Cardiff Blues player only made his Wales debut 20 months ago, but he averages a try every two games across 18 appearances.
And the 24-year-old showcased outstanding finishing skills with a World Cup hat-trick against Fiji five days ago, which underlined why he is such an integral part of head coach Warren Gatland’s plans.
“I was told Shane is the record holder for Wales at a World Cup with six,” Adams said.
“Fingers crossed, with three more games to go, hopefully, I can pip him. We will wait and see.”
Jonah Lomu jointly shares the record for most tries at a World Cup with eight.
Three more touchdowns would put him level with Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana and Julian Savea on the record figure of eight for most tries in one World Cup.
“It wouldn’t be bad to join that list, would it?!” Adams added. “There are some legends there.
“You could argue it’s the biggest week of my career so far with playing in a World Cup quarter-final.
“I would never have said I would be standing here telling you that 18 months ago, but I am over the moon to be here.
“Selection dependent, hopefully I can get out there next Sunday and do everybody proud.”
Adams has become a key figure in the Wales set-up, and his try-scoring danger will pose a serious threat to France.
But he is also well aware of the challenge Les Bleus can offer, even though Wales have won seven of the countries’ last eight meetings.
“France are renowned for being able to turn it on, and when they do, they are extremely dangerous,” he added.
“They’ve got some quality players. At times in this competition they have looked really, really good.
“They definitely pose a threat to us, without a doubt. We have seven days now (to prepare), which is nice, especially after the four days we’ve just had (Wales played Fiji and Uruguay).”
Shane Williams is Wales’ leading tryscorer and has the most scores at a World Cup with six.
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones has already told his players “there are 240 minutes left to do something special,” and those words struck a chord with Adams.
“When you say it like that it does put it into perspective a little bit, doesn’t it? But we’ve got a really tough 80 minutes next Sunday.
“There is no reason why this group of players can’t achieve something special.
“We’ve got belief in each other and in the squad, and I think we are all really excited moving forwards now.”
