Sin-binned Alun-Wyn Jones likely to be spared axe

Published on Monday 8 February 2010 22:11

WALES forward Alun-Wyn Jones is set to avoid the humiliation of being dropped following his costly Twickenham sin-binning.

The British and Irish Lions lock was slated by Wales coach Warren Gatland following his team's 30-17 defeat against England.

England scored 17 unanswered points, including two converted tries, during Jones' absence either side of half-time after he tripped England hooker Dylan Hartley.

But the indications are that Gatland will retain 36 times-capped Jones for next Saturday's RBS Six Nations appointment with Scotland in Cardiff.

Asked if he thought Jones would be left out of the Scotland clash, Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: "I don't think so. We've all made mistakes, and Alun made one on the weekend. He is hurting as much as anyone.

"We've had other players in the past who have been sin-binned and we came through it unscathed. On Saturday, we didn't – we conceded some points. It is one of those things. I think we learn from it and move on. We all know he is a fantastic rugby player.

"When you are playing these games you want your 15 players on the park at all times. Giving penalties away to people like (England fly-half] Jonny Wilkinson and most kickers in the world now, you are going to suffer and concede points."

Jones has yet to comment publicly about his moment of madness, yet he has found considerable support from his Wales team-mates. "I know he will bounce back stronger," said wing Shane Williams. "I think he has learnt his lesson, and there is no-one more gutted than Alun. I hope he is playing on Saturday."

And hooker Gareth Williams added: "He knows he made a mistake, but he knows he's got the full backing of the boys. He was devastated, but he has got to put that to bed now."

Gatland plans to name his line-up tomorrow, and changes in the front-five are likely, especially as prop Gethin Jenkins should be available for selection.

While the latest injury bulletin on his front-row colleague Matthew Rees, who was also sidelined against England, is not encouraging, Jenkins looks like making an immediate return from an untimely calf muscle problem.

Wales certainly expect a fierce challenge from Scotland. Jenkins said: "I thought it was a very physical game, and I felt Scotland's defence in general was pretty awesome, limiting France to two tries considering the amount of opportunities they (France] had.

"It is going to be a very tough game for us on Saturday, we realise that. Beforehand, we thought we were more than capable of winning against England. The Grand Slam goes, the Triple Crown goes, but the championship is still alive.

"