Alun Wyn Jones has been propelled straight back into the British and Irish Lions squad to face the Stormers with the aim of preparing him to take the helm against South Africa in the first Test.
Three weeks after dislocating his shoulder against Japan in what was announced as a tour-ending injury, Jones will take his place on the bench on Saturday for the final fixture before the opening collision with the Springboks.
It was during two full-contact training sessions with Wales on Tuesday that the game’s most-capped player proved his fitness in a remarkable comeback, taking a full part in line-outs, scrums and mauling as well as tackling in team versus team scenarios.
“It’s probably fluid in terms of 60 or 70 per cent. We’ve got some thoughts on where we are,” Gatland said.
“We’ll see some players have a hit-out this weekend and look at some of those combinations.
“There’s a few guys who aren’t involved who we’re pretty happy with, but it’s still an opportunity for the guys on Saturday to go and stake a claim as well.”
Full-back Liam Williams has begun the return to play protocols for concussion after sustaining a head injury against South Africa ‘A’ while prop Wyn Jones needs a few days to rest from a stinger injury.
