The 32-year-old has a history of calf problems, having missed Wales’ 2011 World Cup opening defeat to South Africa because of the same issue, and could be a doubt to add to his 97 international caps when the team take on Scotland on March 9.

And Howley admits he is in the dark as to the severity of Jenkins’ problem, but will be keeping his fingers crossed that his prop is not added to an already lengthy injury list that includes Dan Lydiate, Bradley Davies, Luke Charteris and Rhys Priestland.

"I think he has pulled his calf,” Howley said.

"We are not too sure how severe it is, whether it is a grade one or grade two, and whether he will be available for the next match."

Before he departed Jenkins was influential in Wales’ front row as they recorded a fourth successive RBS 6 Nations away win for the first time since the competition began 13 years ago.

And the performance of Wales’ pack delighted forwards coach Robin McBryde.

“We knew it was going to be a big challenge in the scrums, and we wanted to take ownership in that area," said the former Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker.

"Fair play to the players. A scrum is a collective effort, and as an eight they stood up and exerted pressure."