5 players praised by Alun Wyn Jones in his new book

Monday, 20 September 2021 at 14:31

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byRugby Rucker

British & Irish Lions and Wales legend Alun Wyn Jones is usually rather reserved when it comes to complimenting opponents or teammates.

However, in his new autobiography the reserved second-row did somewhat let his guard down to give out some rare praise.

is the story about how the boy left Mumbles and returned as the most capped rugby player of all time. It is the story of what it takes to become a player who is seen by many as one of the greatest Welsh players there has ever been.

Belonging'

What it takes to go from sitting, crossed legged on the hall floor at school, watching the 1997 Lions Tour of South Africa to being named the 2021 Lions Captain. But is it also about perthyn - belonging, playing for Wales, working your way through the age-grades and the club matches and regional sides. What it takes to earn the right to be there, and what it feels like to make the sacrifices along the way

Check out the five players who received a rare bit of praise from the most capped international player of all-time.

PLAYERS PRAISED BY ALUN WYN JONES

#1. Kyle Sinckler (England)

Born March 30, 1993, Wandsworth
Major teams Bristol Bears, British and Irish Lions, England
Caps 50
Position Prop

Alun Wyn Jones wrote: 'Kyle Sinckler is good fun, a connection between us in Adam Jones, the tight-head ahead of me for so long for Ospreys and Wales for so long, a coach for him in his formative years was a good icebreaker. I'd like to think we get on. I like his aggression and energy on the pitch. Those are assets that can be harnessed, not controlled.'

Did you know? Sinckler has represented England at under-16, under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels, and has been a crucial member of the senior team since 2016

#2. Paul O'Connell (Ireland)

Born October 20, 1979, Limerick
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Munster, Ireland
Caps 115
Position Lock

Jones wrote: 'I remember being impressed with his unruffled demeanour, plus his level of organization. All his socks in one bag, all his shorts in another. Everything decanted into smaller bags within bigger bags'

'You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.'

Did you know? O’Connell initially excelled at swimming and only started playing rugby at the age of 16

#3. Leigh Halfpenny

Born December 22, 1988, Swansea
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Wales, Scarlets
Caps 100
Position Fullback, Wing

Jones wrote: '19 penalties, 21 conversions (in Australia, Lions 2013). A record number of points for a Lions player in one test, breaking Neil Jenkins record for most points across three tests. Man of the series, in case he needed anything else.

'Leigh kicks, and then does everything I do bar the set piece. There's the yards he makes with the ball in hand, the last-ditch tackles he's made. He put his head on the wrong side a few times, not through lack of technique but pure courage.

'I'll remember him as much for when he's put his body on the line as when he's banged over a kick from halfway.'

Did you know? His first name is actually Stephen

#4. Owen Farrell (England)

Born September 24, 1991, Billinge
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Saracens, England
Caps 99
Position Fly-half

Jones wrote: 'The character, the attitude. You could imagine being a kid of Owen's age when his Dad was playing, looking around at Wigan dressing room, at the men in there, how they went about their lives. Owen was very vocal in training from the start. And I never mind having a bollocking from an outside-half, particularly when they're right. I'd rather know than not know, when I can improve and it's context.'

Did you know? Farrell celebrates every point he scores by linking his index fingers together to make a 'JJ' sign, the Joining Jack salute, Joining Jack being a charity dedicated to the needs of sufferers of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

#5. Jonathan Davies

Born April 5, 1988, Solihull
Major teams British and Irish Lions, Scarlets, Wales
Caps 97
Position Outside-centre

Jones wrote: 'I wasn't surprised when Jonathan Davies was given man of the series for us (2017 Lions Tour, New Zealand). He played some of his best rugby on that tour.

'I've played a lot of games with him, Foxy. He's one of those unassuming characters that some don't appreciate because there is no song and dance about it. He just goes about his business, on and off the field. Not looking for the spotlight, not looking for fame.

'He's been an ever-present leader, someone who has supported me on and off the field in my time as captain of Wales'

Did you know? Davies is nicknamed "Fox" after the Fox and Hounds pub his parents run