SM
Real Madrid vs AC Milan: 7 hrs 14 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

Alun Wyn Jones hails "a plethora of options" in Lions pool

:Headline: Alun Wyn Jones hails 'a plethora of options' in Lions pool:
Lions skipper knows competition for places will be intense in South Africa.
Sports Mole

Alun Wyn Jones believes the British and Irish Lions possess "a plethora of options" when it comes to selection in South Africa this summer.

And even though Jones will lead the Lions as captain, he knows it does not come with any Test team guarantee for him.

"You get a lot of congratulations for being captain, but you want to be in that Test team," Wales skipper Jones said.

"Competition across the squad and in the midweeks, there is a plethora of options, hybrids that can cover back-row as well.

"That's what you want. A strong squad so that a strong Test team comes through."

Jones skippered the Lions to a Test series-clinching victory over Australia in Sydney eight years ago when Sam Warburton was injured.

But this time, he has landed the job from the outset for a tour that promises to be like no other as global sport continues its emergence from the coronavirus pandemic.

“I totally understand the expectations of the four nations, of the fans”
- British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones

"It's surreal," Jones added. "I've always been fully aware of all those involved for the Lions, not just the captains.

"To have your name tagged on to the end of those names is surreal and I totally understand the expectations of the four nations, of the fans.

"It (tour) has already been unique with the will it, won't it happen, and when will the squad be announced.

"The jeopardy that has already happened means we will have a siege mentality from the off because of the forced bubble and fact that we will have to spend so much time together.

"There will be positives in that. Those are the challenges you face and not just in rugby."

One of the most competitive Six Nations Championships for many seasons has been reflected by Lions head coach Warren Gatland's squad selection, with a relatively-even split of players across the four nations in his final 37-man group.

Jones said: "Not everyone is the same and you have to pick up on characteristics and traits.

"You know the competitors, know the guys who will be at the forefront of the entertainments crew. I want everyone to be proud of where they come from and what, and who, they represent.

"To be in that squad is hugely special and it won't be wasted."

body check tags ::

amp_article__446628 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-06-25 12:12:12:
html db last update - 2021-06-25 12:12:12 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html

Click here for more stories about Alun Wyn Jones

Click here for more stories about British and Irish Lions

Share this article now:
WC
Read Next:
Alun Wyn Jones: 'There were a number of candidates to captain Lions'
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Alun Wyn Jones Warren Gatland Rugby Union
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Alun Wyn Jones: 'There were a number of candidates to captain Lions'
'Gyokeres is the hottest striker in Europe': Man City warned ahead of Sporting clash
A hint or a plea? Salah posts mysterious Liverpool contract message

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

"I was focused on a big thing with Leverkusen": Alonso responds to Liverpool links

1

&W

'It crossed my mind': Amorim makes bombshell Man City claim ahead of Man Utd move

2

'C

Preview: Boston Celtics vs. Golden State Warriors - prediction, team news, form guide

3

PB

Preview: APOEL vs. Fiorentina - prediction, team news, lineups

4

PA

Preview: Union SG vs. Roma - prediction, team news, lineups

5

PU

Three left-backs, five Londoners: Sports Mole's Premier League Team of the Week

6

TL

Tuesday's Champions League predictions including Real Madrid vs. AC Milan

7

TC

Tuesday's Championship predictions including Swansea City vs. Watford

8

TC

Tuesday's League One predictions including Stockport vs. Wycombe

9

TL

Two European giants 'to rival' Real Madrid for Chelsea midfielder

10

TE


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .