Three little words sum it up for Wyn Jones

Mar 21 2008 by Simon Thomas, Western Mail

ASK Grand Slam hero Alun Wyn Jones to sum up what Warren Gatland has brought to Wales and he produces the kind of considered response you would expect from a law student.

“You can do it in three words – honesty, respect and work-rate,” said the Wales second row.

“We had that ethos going into every game during the Six Nation.”

Jones feels this was particularly evident during last Saturday’s Slam-sealing victory over France at the Millennium Stadium, where he returns tomorrow for the Ospreys’ EDF Cup semi-final against Saracens (5.15pm).

Reflecting on the 29-12 triumph over Les Blues, he says Wales showed their strength of character and work ethic with the way they rallied around to cope with the sin-binning of Gavin Henson just before half-time.

“Going into the break knowing we were going to be 10 minutes without a centre was a bit daunting,” he said.

“But Warren said not to change anything at half-time. We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel.

“We had gone down two men for 20 minutes against Ireland and dealt with it, so we knew we could cope.

“We just wanted to keep the game tight and we did that. We came out, our kick-chase was good and our defence held firm.

“The work-rate of the boys throughout the game was outstanding. We knew France were going to attack us down the blindside and we’d worked hard all week on maintaining our defence there.

“And when they did break the gain-line, our scramble defence was very good.

“As a result, we were able to shut them out and that meant we only conceded two tries in five games, which is something for us to try and maintain. Teams that win matches these days have the best defence.

“Hopefully this isn’t the end of the honeymoon period and we can prolong this.

“Fingers crossed, everyone will be selected to go away to South Africa in the summer.”

For the 22-year-old Jones, playing his part in the title triumph over France was further proof of the rapid strides he has made in the game.

“Three years ago I was winning the Grand Slam with Wales U21s,” recalled the Swansea University student.

“It's a bit different winning it at senior level.

“In 2005, I went to watch the Ireland game when Wales won the Slam. I was behind the posts at the stadium.

“Back then, I’d have laughed off the idea of being part of a senior Grand Slam side so soon. But things change in a flash.

“I might not be here in three years, it might be someone else again. I’ve got to savour the moment and keep working to maintain my place in the squad.”

While his Wales second-row partner Ian Gough is given a break this weekend, Jones remains on duty for the Ospreys and is likely to link up with fellow international Ian Evans in the boilerhouse.

Gough is the only one of the region’s Grand Slam stars not to feature in a 26-man squad for the Anglo-Welsh cup clash.

Saracens director of rugby Alan Gaffney is adopting a similar approach and insists he will be naming as strong a side a possible.

“When you look at it, we’ve only got a guaranteed seven games left so there are no thoughts in our minds about saving players for other games,” said the Aussie.

“We want to go to Cardiff and win what is a very important game.

“It’s a great opportunity of making a cup final and it’s an important game for us – and also for the Ospreys.”

Saracens have lost their last six games against Welsh opposition since beating Pontypridd 22-18 in the Heineken Cup in December, 1999.

Tomorrow’s showdown is the second of a semi-final double-header at the Millennium Stadium, following on from Leicester v Wasps, which kicks off at 2.30pm.