The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Expect unexpected against Scots: Jones
Alun Wyn Jones believes Wales must be ready to “expect the unexpected” when they chase a 10th successive victory over Scotland today.
Wales will arrive at Murrayfield with their RBS 6 Nations title ambitions still intact, despite the agony of England wing Elliot Daly’s 75th-minute try consigning them to defeat in Cardiff a fortnight ago.
Wales are unbeaten in the fixture since seven Chris Paterson penalties downed them in 2007, with four of their subsequent wins being in Edinburgh, gained at an average 26 points a time.
With prolific try-scoring wing George North returning to the starting line-up after injury, Wales are favourites to continue their long winning run at Scotland’s expense, but captain Jones is braced for an intense encounter.
“I am very fortunate to have been involved in those games when we have had success against them,” he said.
“But it is a different Scottish team to the one we have seen before. We are very focused on the squad we have, and what we need to do.”
Scotland caught Ireland out three weeks ago with some of their set-piece plays on the way to a thrilling victory, and Jones will go into the contest with his eyes wide open.
“We would like to think we are up there with the more mobile packs, and they’ve displayed that, not only with their funny plays, but also across the park,” he added.
“That’s what is getting them tries at the moment. You prepare for what you’ve seen, and weaknesses they might have. You have to try and get into the mind of the opposition, but it’s very easy to over-think these things.”
Wales completed their preparations with a session for the kickers at Murrayfield yesterday afternoon.”
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland will be among the Murrayfield crowd today.