Josh Adams admits he’s preparing for the biggest week of his rugby career to date, as Wales gear up for the Rugby World Cup quarter final clash against France on Sunday.
The incoming Cardiff Blues star has been in blistering form for his country during the tournament, topping the try scoring charts with five tries which included a stunning hat-trick against Fiji.
He is currently one try short of Shane Williams’ Welsh record for most tries in a World Cup campaign, set in 2007, while Jonah Lomu (1995), Bryan Habana (2007) and Julian Savea (2015) currently lead the all-time record with eight.
The wing, who moves to Wales’ Capital Region from Worcester Warriors, has an impressive record of nine tries in his 18 international appearances, and is hungry to break records and join legends as Wales target success in the World Cup.
"It's extremely exciting. You could argue it's the biggest week of my career so far with playing in a World Cup quarter final,” said Adams
"I'd never have said I'd be standing here telling you that 18 months ago, but I'm over the moon to be here. Hopefully I can get out there next Sunday and do everybody proud.
"There are some legends there, it wouldn't be bad to join that list, would it?
"Fingers crossed with three more games to go, hopefully I can pip Shane. We'll wait and see.”
Adams and Hadleigh Parkes were the only players to start every pool game as Wales maintained a 100 per cent record in the pool stages for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1987.
The wing discussed the physical challenges they face in the World Cup and, while he is well aware of the threat posed by France, he insists the squad are confident in their own ability as they look to make history.
Adams added: ”I came out of the game alright. It was sore, but it's something you deal with and it didn't stop me.
"I'll just manage that this week with the seven days and hopefully I'll be without the strapping next Sunday if selected.
"We have seven days now which is nice, especially after the four days we've just had. That was tough, especially backing up.
"When you take little knocks and you've had a period away they tend to linger a bit more.
"When you're playing week in, week out you can seem to shrug them off a little bit quicker.
"That's helped me. I've no problem with backing up with a four-day turnaround. I absolutely love playing and it's always a special occasion playing for Wales.
"France are renowned for being able to turn it on and when they do they're extremely dangerous.
"They've got some quality players. At times in this competition they've looked really good. They definitely pose a threat to us.
“We've got a tough 80 minutes next Sunday, but 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 we're all excited moving forwards now.
"This is where we wanted to get ourselves to. To be top of the pool gives us the best chance of making it all the way."