Alun-Wyn: time to end Aussie jinx
IT HAS been a while. Far too long in fact, since Wales last beat Australia. A lot has changed since 2008 — five UK governments, two US presidents, three Lions tours, the global financial crisis, the Brexit vote, and the invention of many things that dominate our lives.
On the rugby field Wales have even created and then shelved a style named after their coach. But one constant has remained: AlunWyn Jones appearing in the second row.
Captain again today, ahead of his 12th match for Wales against the Wallabies, he was asked what would have to change in order for the decade-long curse to end.
‘Score more points,’ came the typically deadpan reply. ‘2008 was a long time ago. If you go looking too far back you can get lost searching for answers.’
Jones has won twice against Australia for the Lions — but only once for his country. ‘I haven’t beaten them enough in the red of Wales. You know Australia are always going to attack from anywhere.
‘They come and pose a threat. It’s key to shut down their momentum. If they get an early score, you need to chase the game.
‘In international rugby you can’t get that back so we need to be switched on and start well.’
Finish well, too. Often Wales have surrendered to the Wallabies in the final minutes and 11 of the last 13 Tests have been settled by fewer than nine points.
But with a bench which includes Rob Evans, Cory Hill, Dan Biggar and Liam Williams, Gatland might not call them ‘finishers’, like Eddie Jones, but he will trust them to complete the job today.
‘There was definitely talk about the impact and importance of the bench in this game,’ said Gatland. ‘It is definitely one of the strongest benches we have had for a long time, for the impact that can come off there.’
Listening to the players it is clear that Gatland ran the Welsh hard in the build-up to the Scotland game so you might forgive them for looking a little lethargic last week.
He has always maintained that this autumn is about creating the fittest Wales team ever, capable of being freshest at the end of games. So the proof of that particular pudding will be in the eating in Cardiff this weekend.
One to inject energy is wing Josh Adams — in for Luke Morgan — who is rewarded for a fine tour of Argentina with a start.
Australia have lost seven of 10 Tests this year and are sixth in the rankings. Captain Michael Hooper, however, knows the Principality Stadium is a happy hunting ground for Wallabies, saying: ‘We love playing at this stadium. ‘We have got a really good rivalry with Wales.’
The hex must end. Australia are ragged, Wales soaring.