Developing strength in depth key to Wales’ World Cup chances
ALUN Wyn Jones has urged Wales to keep blooding youngsters on both this summer’s tour of Argentina and next autumn to give them the best possible chance of World Cup glory.
The three-time British & Irish Lions lock believes the opportunities handed to the likes of Steffan Evans, Josh Adams and Owen Watkin over the last year will come to fruition in the next 18 months.
Wales head coach Warren Gatland used last November’s Tests as well as the Six Nations campaign to see which of his next generation of talent can cut the mustard at the top level.
That approach is set to continue this summer when Wales will take a youthful squad to Washington to face South Africa before then departing for two Tests with the Pumas.
Jones is one of a number of Wales’ more established names set to be given a rest for that trip, but is excited at the prospect of more players getting handed an opportunity by Gatland.
“The way we finished the Six Nations was very pleasing and it was important to build up our strength in depth,” Jones told The Rugby Paper.
“We were able to give some younger players an opportunity which allowed us to expose them to international rugby. We aren’t far away from the World Cup and it’s now an upward curve to get to that stage.
“There is going to be a summer tour with people getting opportunities while there will also be another autumn international series and a Six Nations campaign before the World Cup.
“There is definitely room for improvement and that improvement really will make a difference moving forward.”
Jones captained Wales to a second-placed Six Nations finish, a position Gatland was happy with considering his long list of injury absentees.
The 32-year-old forward is set to be ‘managed’ by Wales up to the 2019 tournament in Japan after extending his national dual contract with both his country and the Ospreys.
Jones’ region have had a disappointing campaign and are fighting to secure a place in next season’s Champions Cup following the sacking of boss Steve Tandy midway through the current campaign.
Current interim head coach Allen Clarke is the favourite to succeed Tandy in the long term after impressing Liberty Stadium bosses in the role.
“I think initially the coaching changes did affect the players because of the timing of it with internationals away at the Six Nations,” said Wales captain Jones. “But it is what it is and it’s out of the hands of the players, so you have to deal with that.
“When you play, yes you have messages coming down from the stands, but ultimately it’s down to the players on the pitch to make decisions.
“The working week can become dishevelled because of certain reorganisations happening, but credit to Allen and the rest of the coaching staff. We’ve all knuckled down and moved forward and a few positive performances is what’s been needed during a time of uncertainty.”
Jones has also stressed the importance of the Ospreys competing in Europe’s premier club competition next term.
He said: “To go back into that Challenge Cup isn’t something we want to do. I think the target for us is Champions Cup rugby and we can still achieve that.”