British and Irish Lions 2017: Graham Rowntree talks up Alun Wyn Jones and Maro Itoje as third Test approaches
The tourists must beat the All Blacks at a ground they haven't lost at since Jully 1994
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Your support makes all the difference.British and Irish Lions coach Graham Rowntree has lauded the way Alun Wyn Jones bounced back to silence his doubters with his commanding second Test performance against the All Blacks on Saturday.
The Wales captain was roundly criticised for his poor performance in the first Test at Eden Park where he was replaced by Maro Itoje after a mere 47 minutes, whom he beat to a place in the starting XV on a “toss of the coin decision”.
With Courtney Lawes impressing for the midweek side, it was predicted Jones would be the lock facing the chop for the second Test, but Warren Gatland kept faith with him, instead removing England’s George Kruis from the matchday 23.
The 31-year-old is so often described as a ‘seven out of 10’ player, who never has a bad game and Gatland banked on that with his selection for the victory in Wellington and even admitted it he made the decision because of the rarity Jones has a bad game, let alone two.
And Rowntree has backed the assertions of his head coach and is confident that Jones, alongside Itoje whose name was sung so loudly it drowned out the home support at the Westpac Stadium, can repeat their talismanic performances in the series decider this weekend.
“I was pleased with the output from both our second rows,” said Rowntree.
“Alun Wyn hasn't got as catchy a song as Maro Itoje. I think he needs to develop a song for himself. But I am pleased for Alun Wyn. He is in the engine room, he's the tight-head lock.
“And his graft in the loose, he gives you a lot in the loose, almost as much as a back rower, and then there's his lineout work too.
“I was pleased with his performance and it was appropriate that we brought Courtney Lawes on at the right time. Alun Wyn had put in a big shift.”
New Zealand have not lost in 39 matches at Eden Park but that is what must happen on Saturday if the Lions are to complete a second-ever series win over the All Blacks.
The Lions have played twice and lost twice at Eden Park already on this tour - first 22-16 to the Blues and then 30-15 in the first Test – but Rowntree is confident those experiences will help the tourists disregard New Zealand's unbeaten run at their favourite ground that dates back to July 1994.
“Luckily we have been there recently,” said Rowntree of Eden Park. “We played the Blues there and it was a great atmosphere that night. And obviously the first Test was there. We have had a taste of it.
“It will be a white hot atmosphere on Saturday night. These guys have all played in big stadiums and on big occasions before and I am sure they will rise to the occasion.”
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