Hamilton admits to embarrassment over Alun Wyn comments

FORMER Scotland international Jim Hamilton admits he’s “embarrassed” by his previous claims Wales skipper Alun Wyn Jones doesn’t deserve a place in Warren Gatland’s 2021 British and Irish Lions squad.

Wales are currently on course for what would be a sensational Grand Slam following an impressive 40-24 win over bitter rivals England last weekend.

Record cap holder Jones was at the centre of the win at the Principality Stadium, producing a performance that has put him firmly into contention for the Test XV against South Africa later this year, as well as the captaincy.

After watching Wales slump to defeat at the hands of Scotland in Llanelli during last year’s rearranged Six Nations clash, Hamilton suggested the Ospreys star would likely be below other contenders.

“A lot of people say he is going to go on the Lions tour,” he said at the time.

“In my opinion, he is not in the best four second rows. I’d say Jonny Hill is playing better than him. Scott Cummings from Scotland. Across the board in terms of where we stand now is Alun Wyn Jones in the top four second rows? Maro. James Ryan for Ireland: now he is not in the form he was but in my opinion he is still playing better than Alun Wyn Jones.

“There is no doubt about it, Alun Wyn Jones is still a fantastic player. Like he absolutely is... but I have named four second rows there, Maro Itoje, James Ryan, Jonny Hill and Scott Cummings. Is Alun Wyn Jones the fifth or sixth? This is up for debate.”

However, the recent revival under Wayne Pivac has made those claims look increasingly wide of the mark, and Hamilton has now admitted he’s been forced to change his opinion, not just on Jones, but also his Wales teammates.

Hamilton had also suggested no Wales players were worthy of being in Gatland’s Lions XV.

Speaking after win over England, he told the Rugby Pod: “I know there was a tweet that came up on social media, is Jim going to apologise?

“I’m sorry, from the bottom of my heart. There is a couple of things. I’m pumped for rugby that Wales aren’t on the demise and aren’t on for a wooden spoon.

“And I’m embarrassed by some of my comments, I’m happy to say it.

“A load of them. Saying I think Wales, they’re down and out. Alun Wyn Jones isn’t the player that he was. I thought he was brilliant.”

And the 38-year old admits that after seeing several Wales stars step up to the plate, he is going to think twice before writing them off again.

“Alun Wyn Jones, captain, I’ve questioned him, is he good enough? George North, we spoke about him two years ago and I’m like, ‘I don’t think he is that good.’ He was phenomenal at the weekend and then you add into the mix now they have got Louis Rees-Zammit. Josh Adams after Covid-gate comes in and plays the way that he has played. Fair, fair play to them.”