Decison is pretty much made on Wyn Jones

Warren Gatland was last night coming to terms with losing his Lions captain on the eve of their departure for South Africa, writes ALAN SHAW.

The veteran lock, the world’s most-capped player, suffered a dislocated shoulder during the tourists’ 28-10 warm-up win over Japan at Murrayfield.

It was a bitter blow for the Lions coach as Jones, who has set a modern record by playing in the Lions’ last nine consecutive Tests, was set for his fourth tour and third as skipper.

“It’s a dislocated shoulder,” said a clearly unhappy Gatland.

“It went back in easy but the prognosis is that the very, very, very best-case scenario is that he might be fit for the first Test.

“He’s going to get it scanned and get a check on it but it’s looking like we’re going to have to replace him.

“The decision’s pretty much made. We’ve spoken to the physios and to Alun Wyn and he understands we need to call someone in.”

Admitting Jones won’t travel today, Gatland added: “It’s very disappointing but he’s been around rugby long enough. He’s going to be gutted but it’s one of those things you’ve got to put behind you and move on as quickly as you possibly can.”

Wales flanker Justin Tipuric also went off and Gatland said: “He got a stinger in the shoulder so we’re going to check just to make sure on a scan that there’s no nerve damage.

“If there is nerve impingement, that could rule him out but at the moment we’re pretty confident he’s going to be OK.”

Asked who’d replace Jones in the tour party – Scotland’s Johnny Gray is a strong contender – Gatland said: “We’re discussing a couple of names at the moment with the coaches.

“We’ll have a discussion over who comes in and potentially who’s going to take over as tour captain as well.”