Alun Wyn Jones’ place among the all-time Guinness Six Nations greats has long been assured but his fourth title and third Grand Slam might just be the sweetest yet.
The captain started four of Wales’ five games, missing only the 26-15 win in Italy when he came off the bench, and led from the front in every one – whether it was inspiring a charge to victory or marshalling a defensive wall.
Statistics don’t do his impact justice but they’re impressive nonetheless. In Paris, he made each of the 15 tackles he attempted as Wales completed a memorable comeback win – pushing his players forward and instilling the belief that the impossible was indeed possible.
France led 16-0 at half-time but Wales won 24-19, the biggest comeback in the Championship’s history. This Wales team was built in Jones’ image: passionate, intense, clever and resilient.
NOMINEE: Does Alun Wyn Jones get your vote for #GuinnessSixNations 2019 Player of the Championship!? pic.twitter.com/WcIk7XRE9Z
— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 18, 2019
After seeing off Italy, Wales tackled England and Jones was once again immense in the Cardiff cauldron of Principality Stadium.
Facing England always creates a special edge and Jones rose to the occasion, driving his men forward in the second half to overturn a 10-3 deficit and complete a 21-13 win.
Ever willing, he made 14 carries and even managed two offloads while again suffocating England with 16 tackles in defence. A player who wears his heart on his sleeve, it was clear at full-time what victory meant to him.
Grand Slam experience counts for a lot in the final two rounds of a Championship and Jones’ quickly came to the fore.
Scotland put Wales under intense pressure for so much of their Round Four match but the visitors refused to buckle and Jones was one of their star performers as they left Edinburgh with the win.
KEY MOMENT
Jones has twice won a Grand Slam in Cardiff and there was a sense of inevitability on Saturday, even though Ireland were still fighting for the Championship.
But Wales had too much. Jones, again driving his men forward, was titanic in the tough conditions as they soared to a 25-7 win.
His display was all the more remarkable given that he went down early holding his knee. A nation held its breath, but Jones got back to his feet and proceeded to put in a monumental display.
At the end, he had the greatest of honours: lifting the Guinness Six Nations Trophy. Of 125 Test matches, that might just be his greatest moment.
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Source: 6 Nations