GARETH Jenkins has launched the most astonishing attack on the press I have ever heard.

After saying he was amazed at the negativity since returning to Wales from France, he made a series of amazing allegations in which he accused Welsh newspapers of: attempting to discredit him - and telling him they were doing that, deliberately distorting stories and creating chaos to sell papers.

He also claimed that the Welsh public were behind him and the team were fed up of what they read in the papers.

Jenkins' outburst came while he spoke to three evening newspaper journalists after a press conference to announce the team to face Japan in the World Cup tomorrow night.

He had earlier told the press conference: "We are amazed and we can't believe the way we have been received since returning to Wales from France. Though it has not got to the group it's disappointing, we just don't understand what the hell is going on.

"Lots of the press have got personal agendas and I don't think they reflect the way supporters feel."

Three of us in the evening paper group then invited him to elaborate to us and a clearly flushed Jenkins then let rip.

"The general public are upset and impatient with the press. There are phone-ins which substantiate that people have become fed up and frustrated with the negative campaign, so I don't think it's only me," he said.

"Why should you ignore something that has been manufactured, that's been turned around into something particular?

"Stephen Jones and Martyn Williams were generous enough to sit down and speak to the press, and for what they said to be turned around like it was, they're furious.

"They talked about the difference between the northern and southern hemispheres, not about the structure we are actually playing.

"We are consistent, we look at the opposition, we meet with the players and we discuss what the structure should be against the opposition.

"It is a collective view that has been agreed and Stephen and Martyn were part of the policy. For it to be suggested they were upset with the structure is b*******.

"It is not an impossible job. I have got to focus on it and we have got to view what we have to do after the World Cup, there is a lot that's not happening.

"The job is fine, but certain papers are trying to discredit me and they've told me that. There lies the issue, I can't do anything about it, but I get annoyed when certain papers manufacture certain articles by distorting things.

"Probably it suits some press to create chaos to sell papers, but good journalists should be consistent and help manage the product.

"I'll talk to any genuine fans with a supportive view, and they will say that's not the way we felt.' Jenkins made it pretty clear he wants to stay on after the World Cup despite his record in charge of just five wins in 18 games.

"I wouldn't think they (the Welsh Rugby Union) would take the short term view. Arguably the best coaches have been Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Scott Johnson (no mention of Mike Ruddock) so changing coaches doesn't alter where we're going," he said.

"Things are needed to take us forward. If you are sensible and understand rugby, the World Cup is an opportunity. We have to implement the right structure after that."

Asked why Michael Owen, the catalyst behind Wales' Grand Slam of 2005, had been overlooked from the starting line-up in every World Cup game, Jenkins replied "We've selected a team that will play a particular way.

"Michael has not had a starting role, but the balance is where I want it to be.

"I always judge us on the outcome, international selection is about the bigger view rather than personal."