Alun Wyn Jones to equal Test record against Scotland

Adam Kyriacou
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Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will equal the world record for Test appearances on Saturday as he draws level with Richie McCaw on 148 games.

Jones will make his 139th appearance for Wales and with his nine international British & Irish Lions caps he will play his 148th match.

The Welsh great starts alongside Cory Hill in the second-row against Scotland, Hill making his first start for Wales since February 2019.

Wyn Jones and uncapped prop WillGriff John come into the front-row for Wales alongside Ken Owens, whilst the back-row remains unchanged with Ross Moriarty, Justin Tipuric and Josh Navidi packing down together.

Rhys Webb starts at nine in the only change in the backline. He partners Dan Biggar at half-back, with Hadleigh Parkes and Nick Tompkins in the midfield. Liam Williams, George North and Leigh Halfpenny make up the back three.

“Saturday is a great opportunity for us to wrap up the campaign with a big performance at home in Cardiff,” said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac when looking ahead to the game.

“We want to finish with the performance we know we can deliver and we have been working hard to get there.

“Alun Wyn is one of the most iconic figures in the game, he is our leader and I’m delighted for him as he continues to set the bar across the game.”

Ryan Elias, Rhys Carre and Leon Brown provide the front-row replacements with Will Rowlands and Taulupe Faletau completing the forward contingent. Gareth Davies, Jarrod Evans and Johnny McNicholl provide the backline cover.

Wales: 15 Leigh Halfpenny, 14 George North, 13 Nick Tompkins, 12 Hadleigh Parkes, 11 Liam Williams, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Rhys Webb, 8 Josh Navidi, 7 Justin Tipuric, 6 Ross Moriarty, 5 Alun Wyn Jones (c), 4 Cory Hill, 3 WillGriff John, 2 Ken Owens, 1 Wyn Jones
Replacements: 16 Ryan Elias, 17 Rhys Carre, 18 Leon Brown, 19 Will Rowlands, 20 Taulupe Faletau, 21 Gareth Davies, 22 Jarrod Evans, 23 Johnny McNicholl

Date: Saturday, March 14
Venue: Principality Stadium
Kick-off: 14:15 GMT
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Nic Berry (Australia), Karl Dickson (England)
TMO: Rowan Kitt (England)

 

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