Alun Wyn Jones will win his 150th cap for Wales against Italy on Saturday – a landmark no other player, for any country, has ever reached before. But the selection was not without controversy since it is four months since cap No.149 and as Harri Morgan considers, others on his position were developing strongly.
Belting out all of the ‘gwlads’ for a 150th time, surrounded by supporters in a packed Principality Stadium.
Relieved that a week of awkward limelight deflection is behind him.
The Lion-taming, world champions in town.
Jacket off. Time to go to work.
That’s how Alun Wyn Jones’ milestone might have materialised.
But a shoulder which came off worse for wear after a 19th minute tackle on All Black Jordie Barrett in week one of the autumn international series put paid to that.
Instead, his landmark moment will come to pass on a sub-par, super Saturday of the Six Nations, with Wales needing a decent knock and favours elsewhere to clinch third spot.
Interesting response to my Alun Wyn Jones video that some have said he’s the ‘most overrated player ever’
Of those who’ve played with him, not one has ever said anything slightly similar.
You don’t tour with the Lions four times if you’re overrated.
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) March 18, 2022
The crowd, in both attendance and energy, will likely be more befitting of the dead rubber fixture than the achievement of the Ospreys’ lock.
There will be a portion of that crowd who will do the right thing to mark the moment, whilst simultaneously questioning the logic in the second row selection.
Will Rowlands doesn’t deserve to be dropped.
That is a statement that belongs in the positive ledger, when it comes to the tournament de-brief.
Building depth, an upside of the tried and tested being out injured.
But with a wider selection ploy that reeks of rotatation, why not afford opportunity to the next gen second row?
A slither of Test match pie to ween the newbie onto the intense flavour, and fuel the appetite for more.
1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ not out 👏
There is no stopping @AlunWynJones 🙌
An incredible milestone, for an incredible player 💪
Go well on Saturday 🔥#URC | @SixNationsRugby pic.twitter.com/BcSA4BxpVT
— United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) March 18, 2022
For most, the eyebrow raised at the integrity of the strange selection will detract a little from what should be an occasion to savour.
Then again, such is the nature of the beast, Jones will likely relish this narrative.
He will revel in the scrutiny that surrounds his presence in Wayne Pivac’s starting line-up.
Each mention of “sentiment” or “marketing ploy” will stoke the competitive fire that has been stuck on the smoulder setting since November.
The performances of Rowlands will have pleased Jones, the team man. Ever keen for the advancement of the collective.
Likewise, it will have triggered the competitor ready to go hammer, tongs and perhaps the occasional black eye, to legitimise his hold on a jersey that he could probably just claim squatters’ rights over.
With a contract extension in place. The mission isn’t merely to make it to France 2023 and the World Cup.
— Huw Hopkins (@HuwHopkins) March 17, 2022
Perhaps there was a pleasure in just being part of it, when Jones debuted against Argentina in the Patagonian city of Puerto Madryn back in 2006.
If there was, it didn’t linger.
He has a reputation amongst team-mates and opponents for his relentless pursuit of victory, no matter how consequential the contest may seem.
This deep into the innings, don’t expect the Welsh skipper to be satisfied clinging to his wicket, motivated by individual accolades.
When the boots are hung up for good, and the rest of us have something else to critique, Alun Wyn will be able to look back fondly on the day he got to 150 with his family and friends watching on.
He deserves that.
Yet, in the immediate term, the thrill will be being back in the discomfort of his comfort zone, ready to do what he does best – compete.
