Jones wary of wounded giants
EDEN PARK: KIWIS OUT TO KEEP 23-YEAR RECORD ALIVE
Plenty at stake as Lions chase historic series win against a bruised NZ outfit.
Alun Wyn Jones is bracing for a furious All Blacks backlash when the British and Irish Lions arrive in Auckland for Saturday’s third Test series decider.
But first the Wales lock is allowing himself a moment to savour the Lions’ 24-21 win over a 14-man New Zealand in Wellington.
Jones was at the heart of an impressive display by the Lions pack at Westpac Stadium, more than justifying his selection after a lacklustre performance in the opening Test had critics calling for his head.
The 31-year-old said the tourists needed to rest and regroup before a clash with the back-toback World Champions in Auckland that will see them chase the first Lions series victory in New Zealand since 1971.
“We’ve got to make sure we enjoy this win because I’ve had similar occasions in the past and not enjoyed them,” he said. “We’ll get the best out of everyone if we do enjoy it.”
But he warned his team-mates needed to be back at their best against the wounded All Blacks at Eden Park, where the hosts have not lost since 1994.
“It’s still a level series and that’s all it is at the moment. We stepped up from the first Test and there’s no doubt that they’ll do that this week. We need to build on this and be ready,” he said. “We’re 1-1 and we’ve got a big week ahead.”
Jones was heartened that the Lions forwards finally combined to show what they were capable of as a unit in Wellington.
“Individual people make packs and when you do your individual role in that you get a complete pack,” he said. “We have showed our physicality in spurts. Against the Crusaders I think we showed what we could do as a pack. We answered some questions again (in Wellington).
“On the whole, the performance wasn’t complete, but we’ll patch those areas up because we’re going to be facing an All Blacks team that’s chomping at the bit next week.” – AFP