“Revelled in it” – Retiring Alun Wyn Jones names his three toughest opponents
Rugby NewsThursday, 21 September 2023 at 10:04
Alun Wyn Jones has named the top three second-rowers he has come up against throughout his stellar career – with one legendary Irishman making his list.
With 156 test match caps, Alun Wyn Jones holds the test match record for Wales. His incredible career sets the standard for international longevity, as no player has achieved more caps for their country than Jones.
He eclipsed Richie McCaw's record of 148 All Blacks appearances against France in 2020, and is currently involved in his 17th consecutive Guinness Six Nations competition.
Since becoming the first choice lock ahead of the 2007 Six Nations, Alun Wyn Jones has held onto the shirt ever since. However, the legendary lock looks to be finally winding down, with a new generation of fresh-faced Welsh players set to breakthrough.
After an under-par performance against Ireland in the opening round of the 2023 Six Nations, the 37-year-old was in fact dropped by Warren Gatland ahead of Wales' trip to Murrayfield.
Exeter Chiefs lock Dafydd Jenkins replaced Jones in the row, with the 20-year-old putting in a strong performance against Scotland. Jones is back in the starting line-up against England, after Gatland announced the team yesterday.
He seems to remain in the former British & Irish Lions Head Coach's plans for now, yet Gatland has made it clear that he is looking to introduce young stars to the Welsh squad, with Jenkins possibly taking the torch forward after the Rugby World Cup.
ALUN WYN JONES: TOUGHEST OPPONENT
#1. Paul O'Connell
- Born October 20, 1979, Limerick
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Munster, Ireland
- Caps 115
- Position Lock
The Irish second row was certainly blessed with special rugby powers having been one of the world’s leading tight forwards for more than a decade. A three-times Lions who captained the tour of South Africa in 2009.
Alun Wyn Jones said: "We got to know each other very well as team-mates with the Lions and opponents for our clubs and countries. You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.”
Did you know? O'Connell initially excelled at swimming and only started playing rugby at the age of 16
Source: The Rugby Paper
#2. Bakkies Botha
- Born September 22, 1979, Newcastle, Natal
- Major teams Barbarians, Blue Bulls, Bulls, South Africa A, Toulon, South Africa
- Position Lock
The second row enforcer in South Africa’s World Cup winning team of 2007, this was a man you didn’t mess around with. Rounded off his career with three European Cup wins with Toulon.
Jones said: "He revelled in it didn't he. Physically he has to be up there. Let's just say he was able to keep the tradition going of the hardest of South African second rows."
Did you know? Botha is the only player in the history of rugby union to date to have won a hat trick of Super Rugby and European rugby titles
Source: Youtube
#3. Justin Harrison
- Born April 20, 1974, Sydney, NSW
- Major teams Australia A, Barbarians, Bath Rugby, Brumbies, New South Wales Waratahs, Ulster, Australia
- Caps 34
- Position Lock
Harrison, who has a fierce feud with former England international Austin Healey, was almost better known for his larger than life personality than his rugby. A veteran of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he spent the later years of his career with Ulster and Bath.
Jones said: "Away from the physical side, banter-wise it would have to be Aussie lock Justin Harrison. He was interesting to play against to say the least."
Did you know? He is currently the head of the Australian Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA)
Source:Youtube
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