Jenkins has been working behind the scenes for the last 16 months to develop a squad he believes is capable of at least reaching the semi-finals.

But patience is wearing thin. For all Jenkins’ promises and positive messages, Wales fans have still only had four wins to cheer from the last 15 internationals.

And Horsman knows the team must now start delivering consistent results if they are to make any significant impression on the World Cup.

“I feel very passionate and I genuinely believe the way we are being taken as a group of players is the right way and I have unbelievable faith in the people that are leading me and my team-mates around me,” said Horsman.

“I think we are developing very well. We are becoming a close group of players. I haven’t seen any hint of self preservation. Everything has been for the good of the group and for the good of the Welsh rugby team ultimately doing well in this competition.

“We know we are evolving – but ultimately we are a rugby team and we are judged on our results. People may say to us that we haven’t won as many games as we would have liked.

“We realise as a squad we have put in some good performances and got the occasional win but what we haven’t had, and what you need if you are to do well in a tournament, is results.

“We need to grow that consistency. We need to go into games and, when we don’t necessarily perform that well, we hang on to get the win.”

Wales showed exactly that quality in the second half against Argentina last week as the Pumas hit back from 27-10 down and closed to within a converted try.

Argentina then laid siege in the closing minutes but Wales held on, despite being down to 14 men, and have drawn a huge amount of encouragement from the victory.

“Our warm-up games haven’t been easy by any stretch of the imagination. But they were picked for a reason, so when we get to the World Cup we will have been tested consistently at a high level,” said Horsman.

“It was great to beat Argentina but what we need to do now as a squad is grow that consistency and it will be a hugely physical test against France.

“You would not have said it five years ago, but they are now a disciplined side. Their coach Bernard Laporte is very forward thinking and you can see he has changed that squad.”

Jenkins has also clamped down on Welsh indiscipline.

Wales were punished for their indiscipline in the 62-5 defeat to England earlier this month as Jonny Wilkinson repeatedly kicked them to within striking distance of the try-line.

And Horsman has spent the summer brushing up on his IRB law book.

“I admit that discipline has always been an issue of mine. I don’t consider myself a dirty player but at the top level of rugby a penalty can win or lose you the game,” he said.

“It is your personal responsibility as a player. Do we actually know the rules of the game?

“Knowledge is power. If you are clear on the rules and the grey areas you can judge a situation better.

“And when you do speak to the referee, if you can quote him the law book he will think ’hang on a minute, this guy is not just a headless idiot, he thinks what he is doing is right’.

“Gareth has had the referees in over the whole summer every time we have done a contact session.

“It can be blood and thunder but there is no point training outside the rules and the penalty count in our sessions is down 80% from the start of the summer.

“It is about how we can achieve what we want most efficiently and within the rules.”