Springbok legend Tendai Mtawarira has called for Alun Wyn Jones to retire following an underwhelming second-half performance against the All Blacks.
The loosehead-prop wrote on Twitter: “Alun Wyn Jones about time to retire…a good dancer knows when to leave the dance floor…I am sure there is a young Welsh lock waiting for his turn in that jersey,”
He wasn’t the only one thinking it as fans comment showed.
One fan wrote: “Alun Wyn Jones pedestrian in filling the defensive space.”
“Why won’t Wales let Alun Wyn Jones retire? His arthritis must be flaring up right now,” commented a second
A third wrote: “Alun Wyn Jones coming on to play with two wingers who were 5 and 6 years old when he made his debut,:”
“Alun Wyn Jones must be at least 46 years of age,” commented another.
“Seriously who else thinks Alun Wyn Jones is actually a clone and the original is actually 80,” said another.
Alun Wyn Jones ranks his top three locks
Alun Wyn Jones has named the top three second-rowers he has come up against throughout his stellar career – with one legendary South African making his list.
#1. Paul O’Connell
- Born October 20, 1979, Limerick
- Major teams British and Irish Lions, Munster, Ireland
- Caps 115
- Position Lock
The Irish second row was certainly blessed with special rugby powers having been one of the world’s leading tight forwards for more than a decade. A three-times Lions who captained the tour of South Africa in 2009.
Alun Wyn Jones said: “We got to know each other very well as team-mates with the Lions and opponents for our clubs and countries. You cannot shy away from how effective the guy was in his position.”
Source: The Rugby Paper
Paul O’Connell facts:
- The lock was given the Freedom of Limerick City in 2012
- O’Connell was awarded Irish Sports Book of the Year in 2016 for The Battle
- He was good at swimming as a child and only turned to rugby at the age of 16
- O’Connell scored eight tries and played 108 Tests for Ireland from 2002 to 2015
- He played on three British & Irish Lions tours and captained the team for the 2009 tour to South Africa. Overall, he played seven Tests across the 2005, 2009 and 2013 tours.