Wales are not out for revenge ‘it’s a pantomime word’, says Jones
For all their heroics, Wales’ World Cup campaign last year was ended typical Welsh fashion – with two gut-wrenching defeats to the Southern Hemisphere’s elite.
But 12 months on from that Fourie de Preez tournament-ending try, Wales find themselves with an opportunity for redemption against South Africa and Australia.
Redemption, but not revenge, insists Alun Wyn Jones. “Revenge is a bit of a pantomime word,” he told The Independent. “If we go into it looking like that then
we’re not really thinking about the job at hand, we’re thinking about the past.”
Since the World Cup, Warren Gatland’s side – now temporarily Rob Howley’s side – have only lost to Grand Slam winners England and world champions New Zealand, albeit a record that shows five defeats in their last six games.
However, it’s Wales’ performances in the All Blacks’ back yard which has given Jones cause to believe the they can improve on a torrid record against the big three Southern Hemisphere sides which has seen them win only three times since the turn of the century. “We’re conscious of the recent results they’ve had against the All Blacks and we’re conscious of how we did on our three-match tour during the summer so, taking that into the equation, we can be positive.”
New Zealand have won the last four games against both Michael Cheika’s and Allister Coetzee’s sides, and by healthy margins since the final in Twickenham last year, while Wales led for much of their first two tests against the All Blacks, despite ultimately losing.
“It’s potentially a poor way at looking at or not the right way to see it but I think we’ll be competitive,” admitted Jones.
Wales have been a team beleaguered by injuries for the last year, with players limping off the field becoming as familiar a sight as a Dan Biggar shuffle while standing over the tee.
However, in Howley’s first squad announcement since his last turn as head coach four years ago, he was able to name a near fully-fit squad, meaning the long-awaited return of British and Irish Lions hero Leigh Halfpenny.
The diminutive full-back has been out of contention for over a year with ruptured knee ligaments but has recovered to take his place back in the squad. Although with Liam Williams ably deputising the number 15 shirt and Biggar seamlessly taking over the kicking duties, Jones is excited by the competition for places.
“It’ll be great to have the added experience back in the squad,” he said. “His places have been covered well with Liam Williams and Dan Biggar so I’m sure Leigh is looking forward to joining back up with the squad and get the shirt back.
“They are two areas where there is definite competition and it’s going to not only be exciting to see him coming back for the team but also for the supporters.”
Taulupe Faletau was also named in the squad, despite his club Bath ruling him out until the end of November with a knee injury, as Howley was adamant he needed the back rower’s influence around the squad.
And Jones, who at only 31 years old is preparing to make his 102 appearance for Wales (as well as making six for the Lions), has backed Faletau’s inclusion, saying he isn’t as quiet as he makes out.
“His experiences speak for themselves. He goes about his business in an almost sober fashion but when he’s here he bounces around the squad and is good to have around,” said the lock.
“What he puts on the park is essentially what he brings in the training week as well. He’s the gel in that back row as seen by his performances.”
However, Faletau’s inclusion has meant that for the first time, a senior international has suffered because of Wales’ three-player wild card rule, which allows only a trio of players to be picked from clubs playing in England.
Faletau’s move to Bath meant he would need to rely on being one of those picks, with Northampton’s George North and Harlequins’ Jamie Roberts filling the other two spots, leaving Rhys Priestland to miss out.
Dubbed ‘Gatland’s Law’, the move was in attempt to bring top Welsh talent back to the regions as club rugby continues to suffer after an injection of money into clubs in England and France.
Unconcerned and unaffected, Jones sees no problem with the rule and it’s a player’s choice to leave the regions, fully understanding the potential consequences.
“I don’t play in England so it’s not something I have to concern myself with.
“If you’ve made the decision to leave and go and spread your wings, then fine. I think you need to see what will happen but that’s where we are at the moment.
“There’s been a lot of talk about the ‘Gatland Law’ for a while but this is probably the first time, because of the number of players playing in England, that it has come to fruition.”
Unconcerned, unaffected and focused. Refusing to talk about any potential Lions inclusion, Jones cannot see past the obstacle – four gruelling internationals and an opportunity to be rid of Wales’ perceived Southern Hemisphere mental block.
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