The Glasgow mixture may very well be going up towards a Scarlets duo if Hawkins and James maintain off the problem of Thomas and fit-again Ospreys centre Owen Watkin.
James, 23 and 6ft 3ins, confirmed indicators of promise with ball in hand towards Les Bleus.
“He had an damage in the course of the off season and since he has come again for the Scarlets he has been actually bodily within the carry and in defence,” mentioned Hawkins, who additionally partnered James for Wales Beneath-20s.
“He has introduced that into the Six Nations and he’s an enormous man. While you’ve received individuals like that within the group you simply need to get them on the ball as a lot as attainable.”
After delivery 15 tries and 102 factors within the first two rounds, Wales clearly have work to do in defence.
Nevertheless, Hawkins’ playmaking talents are key to them additionally posing extra questions in assault.
“We discuss quite a bit about being a group that may excite the nation,” mentioned the centre, who featured at fly-half for Scarlets within the first half of the season.
“Plenty of the most effective groups on this planet consider of their model of sport and would not change. France double down on that and they’re among the finest on this planet.
“After a few disappointing outcomes it isn’t the time to go away from what’s working, or going to work, for us shifting ahead. We simply have to hold banging the drum.”
