By Paul Jones
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones says he has had “a pretty seamless” recovery from injury ahead of his comeback in Sunday’s Guinness Six Nations clash against Ireland.
Jones – who was given a black eye this week, after a punch from Jake Ball, according to reports – will make his first appearance in Wales or Ospreys colours since suffering a knee injury during the Autumn Nations Cup victory over Italy nine weeks ago.
He goes straight back into test match action with Wales targeting a strong start to their Six Nations campaign following last year’s poor fifth-placed finish and an overall run of just three wins in 10 games.
“I had a good recovery and touch wood it has been pretty seamless in terms of its progression and the staged return,” Jones said.
“I was fully prepared to play in the Connacht game (for the Ospreys). I’ve been fortunate enough to get the nod for the game on Sunday.
“I have been a bit frustrated, really, because it was a similar period for me post-World Cup in 2019.
“This one (injury) was just someone falling on me. It has been a bit more frustrating, but I am relishing the chance to get back into it properly.”
Jones makes his 153rd appearance for Wales and the British and Irish Lions this weekend – an ongoing world record – and he leads a record-breaking team.
With a total of 874 caps, it is the most experienced Wales line-up fielded in international rugby union history.
Nine of the side have featured more than 50 times for their country and the back-row of Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau contains a mammoth 225 caps.
Reflecting on 2020, Jones added: “The disappointing thing was how we started the Autumn Nations Cup.
“We’ve spoken a lot about the opportunity that was given and in patches it came together, but the results didn’t follow.
“Wayne (Wales head coach Wayne Pivac) has been candid that this is the Six Nations and it’s tournament rugby.
“We can’t say we didn’t know it was coming or it was organised late because of Covid. We knew it was coming and we’ve prepared that way.”
Wales have lost their last four games against Ireland, including two defeats last year when they were brushed aside 24-14 and 32-9.
A comprehensive Nations Cup reversal in Dublin three months ago saw an error-strewn Wales performance punished for poor discipline.
And Jones said: “Those are the obvious things (discipline and errors), but it is general consistency across all facets of our play.
“You can win games and list off a lot of things, but ultimately it’s consistency in those key areas which allows everything to flow from there.
“Likewise, the set-piece. If we don’t bring pressure on ourselves, then it helps our attack.
“We were successful the last time we played them at the stadium (Principality Stadium), and it’s the Six Nations now. Hopefully. they can see the best of us.”
It has been over two years since Lydiate last wore the red of Wales in a Test match.
At the grand old age of 33 many would have forgiven the Ospreys blindside for giving up on his international career, but that isn’t Lydiate’s way.
As an 18-year-old he suffered a broken neck in a Heineken Cup match for the Dragons at Perpignan but fought his way back to full fitness to enjoy a glittering career.
And it is that sort of bloody mindedness Wales will need against a strong Ireland side.
“When I was announced in the squad I was excited to get back here,” said Lydiate.
“I really enjoyed the first week. It’s always a lot harder training up here, but it’s been good obviously to see a lot of the same players and backroom staff, but with a new contingent as well. So I’ve been enjoying it.
Wishing the Ospreys contingent the very best for 🏴 v 🇮🇪 Special mention to @dan_lydiate and Rhodri Jones returning to the matchday 23. @AlunWynJones defying the odds as usual to commit to his country never in doubt pic.twitter.com/G4vWWmnjLW
— Toby Booth (@Boothy6) February 6, 2021
“I don’t think you ever give up hope, but you have to be realistic as well. It has been over two years since I have been involved in the national squad but I have been enjoying my rugby at the Ospreys.
“It has been a tough couple of years, but this year we seemed to have turned the corner so I am really enjoying my rugby. To get another chance here is a massive bonus.”
There has been a lot of change since Lydiate’s last Test against Australia in 2018 not least a new Wales head coach in Pivac. But there will be a familiar feel to the Wales back-row with the hard hitting Lydiate lining up alongside Justin Tipuric and Taulupe Faletau.
In his prime Lydiate was widely thought of as the best defensive player on the planet and Wales will need such resolve against a brutal Ireland back-row containing Peter O’Mahony, Josh van der Flier and CJ Stander.
“You’ve got to hit the ground running up here and obviously I’ve been playing my club rugby with Tips and I’ve played a lot of my rugby with Toby at the Dragons and internationally,” Lydiate said.
“So it’s been nice to link up with Toby and obviously the other boys, but we’ve been given the opportunity this weekend and hopefully we can put a good marker down against a strong Irish back-row.
“I like to think I’m a better player and that comes with experience. You learn a lot about yourself, not only through winning, but through losing and where you can improve.
“It’s been a tough couple of years but it’s a challenge down at the Ospreys with the competition and the new coaching set-up. I believe I’m a better player but everyone will have an opinion on that.
“All I can concentrate on is trying to be the best version of me. Not trying to be anything else but me.”
Many onlookers see Ireland as favourites but Lydiate thinks Wales have a chance to prove people wrong.
“It’s always a step up to play international rugby and although we know each other quite well, you want to play against the best. When I started I always wanted to play against the best to see where I was at and that hasn’t changed,” he said.
“Ireland have a good back-row, they have a lot of strength and depth and a lot of competition – the same as we’ve got here. We’re the ones who have been given that opportunity and that chance.
“I’m fresh into it but there is no difference from when I was last involved. Whenever you’re up here there is pressure to deliver.
“International rugby is about results and for me that hasn’t changed. I wasn’t part of the autumn internationals.
“I’ve just come in fresh now and we’ve got a job to do. Everyone is excited to play in the Six Nations and I’m looking forward to Sunday.”