INJURED JONES TARGETS WORLD CUP

ALUN WYN JONES has been ruled out of the Six Nations, but is still being backed to make the 2023 World Cup.

The Wales captain is to have surgery on the shoulder he injured in winning his 149th cap for his country against the All Blacks last Saturday and, at 36, time is not on his side for an international return.

“I don’t think he’ll be available for the Six Nations. He’s going to have surgery and be out for a number of months. He will be back before the end of the season at some stage,” said Wales coach Wayne Pivac (below, left).

“The intention is to see if Al can get to the World Cup. It’s a realistic goal. I don’t see him going backwards in terms of his performances.

“It’s not ideal for him – we were all looking forward to him playing 150 Test matches for

Wales – but that is still a goal and I’m sure he’ll get there.”

The absence of Jones (left) leaves a huge leadership void.

While centre Jonathan Davies will take over as captain against South Africa tomorrow, Pivac says the burden of responsibility will be shared. “The essence is on others to step up and take that role on,” he said.

“There’s still plenty of experience there but it is removing the main man and it’s a collective that will take over from where Alun Wyn left off.” Wales will turn to Lions Adam Beard and Dan Biggar after last Saturday’s thumping by the All Blacks.

And Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins will start his first Test for three years at No.6 after missing 26 months with a serious knee injury sustained in a man-of-thematch performance against tomorrow’s opponents.

“It is not really going to the script we had planned – he’s more of a seven – but we’re just pleased that he is back in,” added Pivac.