With Wales rooted to the foot of the Guinness Six Nations table and bookmakers rating them as long shots to halt a 14-match losing streak in the competition, the narrative outside the camp is one of damage limitation ahead of Friday night’s clash.
Inside it, James insists, the focus is very different — built on growing cohesion in the centres and a refusal to travel without belief.
The 23-year-old Scarlets back has reconnected with Hawkins this season, reviving a partnership first forged at Wales Under-20 level.
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With Hawkins returning from Exeter and James shifting to outside centre after recovering from a back injury, the pair are beginning to find rhythm on the Test stage.
“I enjoy playing with Joe and we’ve got a good relationship off the pitch as well,” says James.
“The more games you play in any centre partnership you get a feel of what each other do.
“Joe reads the game well, he can carry the ball and he’s also a ball player. That’s good for me because I like carrying hard. He’s a smart player.”
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That familiarity is proving valuable as Wales attempt to translate promise into results.
Their narrow 26-23 defeat to Scotland showed tangible progress, with renewed attacking ambition and defensive bite evident throughout.
“We played with a bit more intent. Not scared to make mistakes, attacking more with and without the ball,” adds James.
“It was a big boost and the confidence has gone up 100 per cent.
“It’s about doing that away from home now. We’ve shown we can do it in front of 70,000 at home, it’s about taking it on the road now to Ireland.
“It’s obviously a big difference, so we’ve got to bounce off each other, give each other energy, and be there mentally.”
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James’ own numbers underline his growing authority.
He has recorded eight dominant contacts in the championship so far, averaging 6.5 metres per carry and accumulating 61 post-contact metres — just one fewer than Ireland’s powerful centre Stuart McCloskey.
The Carmarthen-born back, standing 6ft 4in and weighing 17st 5lbs, has seized his opportunity following Max Llewellyn’s injury, making the outside-centre berth his own after starting much of his career at inside centre.
Alongside Hawkins, he now faces arguably the sternest examination of his international development.
Ireland arrive on the back of a resounding 42-21 victory over England at the Allianz Stadium, reigniting their title ambitions.
They boast depth and pedigree across the midfield, with McCloskey partnering Garry Ringrose and Lions Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw also available.
Yet James insists Wales will not adopt a damage-control mindset at the Aviva Stadium.
“We don’t go into any game thinking we can’t win,” said the 23-year-old.
“That’s not the mindset to have in any professional sport. We’re definitely going there to put our best foot forward and have a go at them.
“Ireland are a top side, they’ve got threats everywhere and are a well-drilled team.
“But for us it’s building from our performance against Scotland and trying to implement that into Ireland. It’s going to be a big ask, but one we’re looking forward to.”
For James, the challenge is also personal — testing himself against seasoned internationals on one of rugby’s biggest stages.
"It's always exciting coming up against big names because you get to challenge yourself and see where you are at," said James.
If Wales are to upset the odds in Dublin, much will hinge on whether the Hawkins-James axis can convert encouraging signs into a complete performance.
