Don't write Wales off

10:58am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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WRITE Wales off at your peril warns a steely Alun Wyn Jones as he prepares to take on the likes of Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha in a fortnight's time.

The talented second row is in bullish mood and clearly relishing the chance of taking on world champions South Africa.

Wyn Jones, 22, is undaunted by the prospect of facing the mighty Springboks in front of their own fanatical fans during the two-Test tour.

The Osprey, who has already won 21 caps, said critics made the mistake of underestimating Grand Slam-winning Wales before this season's Six Nations: "Why can't we win in South Africa? We have already shown what we have got to offer - we were written off after the World Cup."

And the Swansea-born law undergraduate says Wales remain undaunted despite being ravaged by injuries, including the loss of in-form first choice players like Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne and Gavin Henson.

He said: "It's terrible for the boys who have been injured but it creates the competition where everybody has got to perform.

"I think we've got so much competition for a country with such a small player base."

Wales want to measure themselves against the best, said Wyn Jones, who won his first cap on tour as a blind-side flanker against Argentina in the 27-25 loss at Puerto Madryn nearly two years ago.

Since then he has established himself as Wales' outstanding No 5 with some towering performances in the line-out and his all-round athleticism in the loose.

"It's a great challenge to meet the World Cup winners at almost full strength - it's the best test and there's no excuses whatever the outcome," he said. "I've played against Botha before but I've not faced Victor Matfield - I want to see how good I am."

Wyn Jones said: "South Africa do the basics very well and with an intensity and tempo - it's the perfect recipe."

He also paid tribute to coach Lyn Jones, who left the Ospreys last week by mutual consent, as an important influence on his career: "If it wasn't for Lyn, then I wouldn't have won as many caps as I have.

"There's not many coaches who've won two Magners League titles, the EDF Energy Cup and reached the quarter-finals of the Heineken Cup."

Alun Wyn Jones was speaking to the Argus at Llanerch Vineyards in the Vale of Glamorgan where members of the Wales squad were invited to sample the food of top Gwent chef Stephen Terry.

The chef-proprietor of Abergavenny's Hardwick restaurant, Terry represents Wales in the finals of BBC2's Great British Menu.