Peyper falls for Jones’ con, hook, line Sinckler

ALUN-Wyn Jones showed in two instances in the Wales win against England last weekend just how influential a street-smart talisman can be in swinging a result, with two crucial plays either side of the hour mark.

In the first instance, in the 56th minute, the Welsh captain conned referee Jaco Peyper into giving a penalty against England’s ‘marked man’, Kyle Sinckler, for a chokehold that never was. Jones was in possession at a maul inside the English half, and sinking to get the ball to ground as the English tight-head challenged.

Sinckler had his arm north-south over Jones’ shoulder close to his neck as he did so, gripping his jersey at the chest, but at no stage encircled his neck and choked him.

However, as soon as the Welsh lock indicated that he was being choked, Peyper bought it – hook, line and Sinckler.

The penalty took Wales to within a point at 10-9. In the 65th minute AWJ struck again, this time during the 15th phase of the 34- phase attack that culminated in Cory Hill’s match-turning try.

As Jones crashed into two English tacklers and hit the ground he rolled over – and then rolled over twice more towards the England line, right in front of the South African referee.

Peyper appeared to have granted Jones immunity, because he waved play on despite the law book stating that, “the tackled player must release the ball immediately he is tackled (i.e. brought to ground)”.

One again it was England, not the Welsh skipper, who paid the penalty.