Record-breaking Alun Wyn Jones backed to make a fifth World Cup at the age of 38
Wayne Pivac believes Alun Wyn Jones can play at a fifth World Cup as the Wales captain prepares to become the most capped Test player in rugby history. Jones will overtake New Zealand World Cup-winning skipper Richie McCaw’s 148 Tests when he leads Wales against Guinness Six Nations opponents Scotland on Saturday.
The second row will be 38 when the 2023 World Cup starts, but Wales head coach Pivac – who says Jones is “first on the teamsheet” – feels he could still be representing his country at the tournament in France three years from now.
“If you look at it on ability and form, right now, I would have to say that there is no reason why he [Jones] couldn’t go to a World Cup, should he stay injury-free,” Pivac said after announcing six changes in the team to take on Scotland in Llanelli.
“Everybody, though, does have that time when the body starts to slow down. Some go off a cliff quicker than others. But there is no reason why Alun Wyn couldn’t be one of those where you throw away the birth certificate and you just look at what he is doing on a daily basis. At the moment, he’s first on the teamsheet.”
Jones made his Wales debut in 2006 and has helped his country win four Six Nations titles, three Grand Slams and reach two World Cup semi-finals. The delayed Six Nations clash with Scotland will be his 140th Wales appearance, in addition to nine British and Irish Lions Tests across their last three tours to South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.
It's shaping up be a Golden Oldies tour in South Africa ? https://t.co/VNfiN8Vf8b
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 28, 2020
Current British and Irish Lions head coach Gatland this week called Jones an “unbelievable competitor who leads by example”, and the Ospreys lock could make a fourth tour to South Africa next summer. “He’s a true leader and it’s a phenomenal achievement,” Pivac said of Jones’ new world best for Test appearances.
“He not only leads by example in the games but in training, he’s magnificent in the way he carries himself. He’s the first to every drill, always doing his extras and very professional in the way he prepares for training.
“The way he goes about previewing and reviewing the opposition, he’s a great example for us. Post-training he does all the recovery. If there is an optional session, then it’s not optional for Alun Wyn. He does everything by the book and he’s religious in the way he goes about his business.”
Wales head into the behind-closed-doors Parc y Scarlets clash on the back of four straights defeats – their worst losing run since 2016 when they lost five – and pressure growing on Pivac. The only Wales win in this delayed Championship came against Italy and the last time they finished a Six Nations campaign with just one victory was in 2007. Pivac has responded to last weekend’s friendly defeat to France in Paris by making six changes.
Lions wing George North has been dropped in favour of Liam Williams, Owen Watkin comes into midfield in place of Nick Tompkins and Gareth Davies replaces Rhys Webb at scrum-half. Tomos Francis, Exeter’s double-winning prop, takes over from Samson Lee at tighthead and Wasps second row Will Rowlands has a first start in the second row. Cardiff Blues flanker Shane Lewis-Hughes makes his debut alongside Lions back rowers Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.
Lewis-Hughes was originally being called into the squad as training cover but Pivac said: “We’ve picked up some injuries with Ross Moriarty, Josh Macleod and Josh Navidi. We just think he’s trained very well since coming in, he’s impressed everybody and he’s a player that we’ve earmarked for the future. This is going to be a big test for him but we think he deserves the opportunity after how he’s gone in training and what he’s showing us.”
"We have looked at that and being able to reduce the size of the squad is a lot easier compared to Australia or New Zealand" ?https://t.co/NgqAABnqhP
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) October 29, 2020
Comments on RugbyPass
The strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
8 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
2 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
2 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
8 Go to commentsYou doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
44 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
8 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
8 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
8 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
8 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
8 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to comments