Pivac tells others to step up after Jones is ruled out of Six Nations
Wales will be without Alun Wyn Jones for the Six Nations, head coach Wayne Pivac has revealed, with the inspirational captain to undergo surgery after injuring his shoulder against New Zealand.
Jones, 36, appeared to re-injure the same shoulder he dislocated in the summer playing for the British and Irish Lions against Japan. Pivac added Jones was expected to return before the end of the season for Ospreys, meaning he could feature on the Wales tour to South Africa next summer. “You learn a lot about the worth of people when they’re not there. I think a lot of people take Alun Wyn for granted – he’s always been there and got seniority,” Pivac said. “That leadership is really important. The emphasis is on others to step up and take that role on.”
Pivac remains confident that Jones can continue playing for Wales through to the next World Cup in 2023, despite his injuries this year. Jones was set to make his 150th appearance for Wales against South
Africa tomorrow. “The intention is always to see if Al can get to the World Cup. I think it’s a realistic goal personally,” Pivac explained. “You’ve just got to see him in training and when he’s playing, the efforts he puts in. I don’t see anything going anywhere near backwards in terms of his performances.”
Wales have made six changes from the side who lost to New Zealand, with Will Rowlands replacing Jones in the starting line-up. Rhys Carre starts at loosehead prop, with Wyn Jones dropping to the bench, while there is also a start for flanker Ellis Jenkins. In three changes in the backs, Dan Biggar returns at fly-half, with Gareth Anscombe dropping to the bench, while Nick Tompkins and Louis Rees-zammit also start.
There are two uncapped players among the replacements, with South Africa-born hooker Bradley Roberts in line for his debut. Hooker Ryan Elias starts with Willgriff John on the bench.