Wales skipper: Japan is my last shot at glory

WALES depart for Japan today with a message from their captain Alun Wyn Jones ringing in their ears — the World Cup is there for the taking. The totemic lock, who turns 34 next Thursday, is travelling to his fourth tournament and will become the most-capped Welshman ever during this one. The Australia match, Wales’ second of the tournament, is likely to be Jones’ recordbreaking 130th appearance. But looking at Wales’ trophy haul, proudly displayed inside their Glamorgan training centre, there is only one title the skipper wants to bring home. ‘These big red banners you see here, there is something missing on them,’ said Jones. ‘It would be nice to be a part of that, regardless of how many caps you get. That will be bigger than any cap record for anyone in this country. ‘I have not won a World Cup. I’m on the cusp of potentially my last chance, so here we go.’ Jones, however, tempered the excitement with a warning. With officials set to be red-hot on high tackles, as shown by All Black Scott Barrett’s recent sendingoff, he is concerned one tight call could change the course of history. ‘It is mouth-watering,’ he said of the tournament. ‘I just fear that potentially this summer the way decisions have gone on the field with certain things, it is becoming increasingly difficult for referees. ‘It is worth mentioning because it is potentially going to be such an open tournament and you would not want that to be a talking point.’