Door opens for Jones return as Lions look to get off to roaring start
As Stuart Hogg prepares to lead the British and Irish Lions in today’s South Africa tour opener, former captain Alun Wyn Jones has been backed to make a surprise return from injury for the Test series against the Springboks.
Having initially been ruled out of the eight-game tour, Jones has been told by medics that he could recover from the dislocated shoulder sustained against Japan last Saturday at Murrayfield faster than expected.
Head coach Warren Gatland has also revealed the Wales skipper is "optimistic a miracle may happen", potentially opening the door for Jones to link up with the squad ahead of the three-test series against the world champion Springboks which begins on July 24.
Conor Murray has been appointed captain in Jones’ absence, while Scotland full-back Hogg is in command against the Sigma Lions this evening as the tour gets under way at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Lions assistant coach Neil Jenkins believes it would be a "no brainer" for 35-yearold Jones, pictured, to return to the squad if he can prove his fitness.
"He is a world class player and a class act in everything he does,” said Jenkins. “For him to get back in any way shape or form would be awesome.
"Warren knows more, but if someone of his calibre becomes available and he's able to represent us, it becomes a no brainer.
"I've known Al a long time and I've never written him off in any way shape or form. I've seen him injured on other occasions but not too many.
"He's been very lucky in that regard and looks after himself incredibly well. That's part of the reason why he has minimal injuries.
"Nothing surprises me with Al. He's an incredible player who looks after himself incredibly well. If anyone can get back to playing in the Test series, then he certainly can. If he can get himself right that would be a huge plus for us."
The Sigma Lions are comfortably the weakest opponents that Gatland's men will face in South Africa, but there is always the threat of a provincial side looking to soften the tourists up ahead of the Test series.
However, England flanker Courtney Lawes insists the Lions are looking to leave their own impression on Johannesburg this weekend.
"It's our first game out here so we need to take a step forward and show what we're about, what we're going to be about on this tour and, come the Tests, what kind of pack we'll be," Lawes said.
"As a Lions team, regardless of who you play, the opposition are always going to be gunning for you. They'll always be so up for it and ready to get into you. We're prepared for that and also want to impose ourselves on the game. "I haven't played out in South Africa before so I'm not entirely sure what we'll get in terms of crap on the pitch or people trying to wind us up, but we've got a lot of level-headed players who aren't looking to scrap on the first game on tour."
Lawes admits he may take a bit of time to get up to full speed after an injury-ravaged Premiership season left doubt in his own mind as to whether he would travel to South Africa with the team.
The 32-year-old, who will get his first taste of the rock-hard Highveld pitches, said: "It was very humbling to get the callup while still injured. I have hardly played any rugby this season, but luckily I have been able to come back and hit the ground running.
"I am still yet to feel really comfortable on the pitch, but for every minute I get I think I will keep improving. I would have preferred a bit more rugby under me. I generally take a little bit of time to really get going."
Lawes can also play at lock, but is happy to fill the No 6 jersey if that is where the team wants to use him.
"I am just going to play how I play, regardless of what position,” he added. “That will contribute to the team, then it is up to the coaches where they see me or want to play me."
Meanwhile, Robbie Henshaw has been ruled out of the Lions' fixture against the Sharks on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury.
Theirelandcentreimpressed in the 28-10 victory over Japan at Murrayfield, but was overlooked for today's clash with the Sigma Lions and must now sit out a second match.
"Robbie has a very mild hamstring strain which will keep him out of the next game," a Lions spokesperson said.
Owen Farrell and Chris Harris form the centre partnership for the opening match on South African soil, with Bundee Aki supplying cover from the bench.