Alun Wyn Jones doesn’t not often praise his opposition second-rowers so when he does it’s pretty interesting – with one current England star making his list.
PLAYERS PRAISED BY ALUN WYN JONES:
#5. Justin Harrison
- Born April 20, 1974, Sydney, NSW
- Major teams Australia A, Barbarians, Bath Rugby, Brumbies, New South Wales Waratahs, Ulster, Australia
- Caps 34
- Position Lock
Harrison, who has a fierce feud with former England international Austin Healey, was almost better known for his larger than life personality than his rugby. A veteran of the 2003 Rugby World Cup, he spent the later years of his career with Ulster and Bath.
Jones said: “Away from the physical side, banter-wise it would have to be Aussie lock Justin Harrison. He was interesting to play against to say the least.”
Did you know? He is currently the head of the Australian Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA)
Source:Youtube
#4. Maro Itoje
- Born October 28, 1994, Camden
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, England Saxons, England Under-20s, Saracens, England
- Caps 55
- Position Lock
Jones already knew about the 22-year-old’s more obvious talents, the two of them have knocked heads often enough, but Jones has learned a lot more about “the leadership qualities Maro’s got” during the 2017 & 2021 Lions tours.
Jones said: “From the outside, you can see he is a physical specimen, but there are also the leadership qualities he has got. He’s a class act and one of the best I’ve seen,”
#3. Eben Etzebeth
- Born October 29, 1991, Cape Town
- Major teams Stormers, Toulon, Western Province, South Africa
- Caps 95
- Position Lock
