Wales are a target now says record man Alun-Wyn

ALUN-WYN Jones says Wales have painted a World Cup target on their backs after their Grand Slam.

The Wales captain led his record-breaking side to their 14th straight victory to end a seven year wait for a Championship clean sweep.

Then Jones warned his heroic teammates the rest of the world will be out to knock them off their pedestal.

“Anything can happen when you work hard and you’re a proud nation” said Jones, who equalled Gethin Jenkins’ Wales and Lions all-time cap record of 124.

“At times we’ve been unconvincing so we like to think there’s still potential in us. We’re well aware we’ve just put a big target on our backs before the World Cup.”

Gareth Anscombe kicked 20 points after setting up Hadleigh Parkes’ second minute score with a delicate chip.

The New Zealand native was moved to tears when greeted with the adoration of the Principality Stadium crowd after the final whistle.

It has taken the Welsh rugby public 25 caps and one flawless performance to fully accept the 27-yearold as one of their own, and Anscombe savoured the moment.

“It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for me,” he said. “It’s a day and weekend to remember for Welsh rugby. It’s a special group and we worked hard for each other.

“We’re in the best stadium in the world in front of our people.”

Alun-Wyn paid tribute to Wales’ record breaking head coach Warren Gatland.

“When you have someone who is so confident at the top of the tree, it filters down and it’s hard to ignore. It’s easy to say it on the back of a win but we’ve come under pressure over the years and had good wins when our backs have been against the wall.

“It takes a certain type of character to come through the mire and he is the guy that’s done that,” he said.

And Jones believes his men will create a fresh slice of history in the Far East.

“It’s not about belief, it’s about character,” he added. “Respect is something you earn and we’re doing that.”