Jones is relishing facing South Africa following injury recovery
Alun Wyn Jones will take even greater satisfaction from leading the British and Irish Lions against South Africa after rescuing his tour from oblivion.
Four weeks to the day after dislocating his left shoulder seven minutes into the curtain raiser against Japan, Jones will captain the Lions in Saturday’s critical series opener against the world champions in Cape Town. The Wales skipper had been ruled out of the tour only to learn there was a way back from the injury, enabling him to show remarkable powers of recovery that have seen him dubbed ‘Lazarus’ by teammates.
“The first few days after dislocating the shoulder and getting home, I was almost on the sofa before the guys had even got to the airport on the Monday. That was a tough one ,” Jones said.
“Fast forward to the Tuesday when I was told there was a chance – it was bordering on the surreal. To be here now and taking the knocks and bumps and being in amongst it with the group – it means more, I am not going to lie.
“I had spent two weeks with the guys getting to know people. We were bedding in with the rugby. I had the seven minutes and for those two days that was my tour done.
“I had the decent news on the Tuesday and sometimes all you need is a chance and I was willing to work hard, and make it difficult for Warren G at land, to make myself available for selection. I was fortunate enough
to get some game time against the Stormers on Saturday and put myself in contention.
“To be sitting here now and to be involved in the Test team is everything I have ever worked for really over the last… I would be lying if I said it was two years, it is probably four years.
“Obviously when you finish a series or a tour you don’t
know whether you are going to tour next and a lot of games go under the bridge.
“To be sitting here now is a very, very special thing, but it is only a very short step to what is going to be, hopefully, a very enjoyable week.”
Meanwhile, Duhan van der Merwe has been braced for sledging from South Africa as Warren Gatland admits leaving Josh Adams out of the British
and Irish Lions team was a difficult decision.
The most contentious call of the surprise XV announced by Gatland for the Cape Town Stadium showdown sees van der Merwe edge Adams for the second wing spot alongside Anthony Watson.
While can der Merwe has used his power and footwork to torment defences throughout the tour, Adams’ stunning
haul of eight tries was thought to have cemented his place in the starting XV.
Now the rivals for the left wing face different challenges – van der Merwe coping with the backlash awaiting him against the world champions and Adams recovering from the disappointment of being overlooked.
The bulldozing 26-yearold’s switch of allegiance has
seen him targeted by trolls on social media and Gatland insists he can expect a similar reaction on the pitch.
“It’ s a challenge for him. I’ ve spoken to him about what’s coming on the weekend and he’s fully aware,” Gatland said.
“I presume every time he touches the ball, they’ll be trying to hit him with everything they’ ve got and there will probably besom ever balsas well ."