Alun Wyn Jones on track for sensational return to Lions squad
Alun Wyn Jones could make a sensational return to the British and Irish Lions squad after seeing dramatic progress in his recovery from the dislocated shoulder that appeared to have ended his tour.
Jones sustained the injury six minutes into the opening match against Japan on June 26 but is now training with Wales and Warren Gatland will make a decision on Tuesday whether to summon him to South Africa.
“A few weeks ago we didn’t think there was an option and he’s been back fully training with Wales. He’s trained this week with them,” Gatland said.
“I think he’s doing a double session tomorrow (Tuesday) with them and we’ll have to see what the outcome of that is.
“He’s made a remarkable recovery from that injury which isn’t as bad they first thought.
“That’s a real positive and it would be a boost to the squad having someone of his experience and calibre to come in.”
SOUTH AFRICA ‘A’ v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS
15. Anthony Watson
14. Louis Rees-Zammit
13. Chris Harris
12. Bundee Aki
11. Josh Adams
10. Dan Biggar
9. Conor Murray – captain
1. Wyn Jones
2. Ken Owens
3. Kyle Sinckler
4. Maro Itoje
5. Iain Henderson
6. Josh Navidi
7. Tom Curry
8. Taulupe Faletau
REPLACEMENTS:
16. Luke Cowan-Dickie
17. Mako Vunipola
18. Zander Fagerson
19. Adam Beard
20. Tadhg Beirne
21. Sam Simmonds
22. Gareth Davies
23. Elliot Daly
SOUTH AFRICA 'A' TEAM
15 Willie le Roux
14 Cheslin Kolbe
13 Lukhanyo Am
12 Damian de Allende
11 Sbu Nkosi
10 Morné Steyn
9 Faf de Klerk
8 Jasper Wiese
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
6 Marco van Staden
5 Franco Mostert
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Trevor Nyakane
2 Joseph Dweba
1 Steven Kitshoff
REPLACEMENTS:
16 Malcolm Marx
17 Coenie Oosthuizen
18 Vincent Koch
19 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg
20 Rynhardt Elstadt
21 Herschel Jantjies
22 Jesse Kriel
23 Damian Willemse
24 Kwagga Smith
25 Elton Jantjies
Latest Comments
Hi Nick. Thanks for your +++ ongoing analysis. Re Vunivalu, He’s been benched recently and it will be interesting to see what Kiss does with him as we enter the backend of SRP. I’m still not sold.
Go to commentsIn the fine tradition of Irish rugby, Leinster cheat well and for some reason only known to whoever referees them, they are allowed to get away with it every single game. If teams have not got the physicality up front to stop them getting the ball, they will win every single game. They take out players beyond the ruck and often hold them on the ground. Those that are beyond the ruck and therefore offside, hover there to cause distraction but also to join the next ruck from the side thereby stopping the jackal. The lineout prior to the second try on Saturday. 3 Leinster players left the lineout before the ball was thrown and were driving the maul as soon as the player hit the ground and thereby getting that valuable momentum. They scrummage illegally, with the looshead turning in to stop the opposing tighthead from pushing straight and making it uncomfortable for the hooker. The tighthead takes a step and tries to get his opposite loosehead to drop the bind. Flankers often ‘move up’ and actually bind on the prop and not remain bound to the second row. It does cause chaos and is done quickly and efficiently so that referees are blinded by the illegal tactics. I am surprised opposition coaches when they meet referees before games don’t mention it. I am also surprised that they do not go to the referees group and ask them to look at the tactics used and referee them properly. If they are the better team and win, fair play but a lot of their momentum is gained illegally and therefore it is not a level playing field.
Go to comments