James happy to fill tighthead role

Wales loosehead prop Paul James admits he is happy to play on either side of the scrum when his side face Argentina on Saturday.

Wales loosehead prop Paul James admits he is happy to play on either side of the scrum when his side face Argentina on Saturday.

James was forced to provide cover at tighthead in last Saturday's 24-15 loss to South Africa at the Millenium Stadium after injuries to Adam Jones and Scott Andrews.

And though not his primary position, the Bath prop is eager to step in if required.

“You do whatever you need to do – if it means playing on the tighthead then so be it,” James told the Welsh Rugby Union website.

“I don't class myself as a tighthead but if you get an opportunity to put a Welsh jersey on, you'll stick any number on your back.

“If I'm asked to do it, I'll do it. I prefer to play loosehead, I am a loosehead, but if I can help Wales out and do a job there then I'll do it.

“The bonus of playing international rugby is if you have to swap over, you still have the likes of Alun-Wyn and Warby pushing behind you – that makes a massive difference.”

James, who was disappointed by his side's failure to claim victory against the Springboks, has this week been joined in the Welsh squad by fellow props Samson Lee and Rhodri Jones.

“I think if anything, it (the loss) was disappointing. It was a physical test but I felt at times we were good and had the opportunity to win it. There are things to work and improve on in this week's training,” added James.

“We got back within distance, had a couple of good hits and some good carries. The crowd got behind us and you're thinking we can do this.

“We didn't quite get there but we're going in the right direction and we focus on the rest of the series now.”