Wyn Jones pushes Wales to exceed their greatest achievements ahead of Six Nations
With 105 caps already to his name you would expect Alun Wyn Jones to have a fair idea of where Welsh rugby’s expectations should currently lie.
Off the back of a confused autumn series - Wales largely failed to flatter, yet registered a record-equalling series performance - just how and where they should be pitching their Six Nations hopes is a much-mooted topic.
Ask the new man heading up the squad where he thinks expectations should lie however and you’ll find an answer as simple as it is clear.
Alun Wyn Jones starts 2017 as the new figurehead of the national side after taking over the role from Sam Warburton. They are big shoes to fill. Warburton, for all the recent debate around his role in the side, has led Wales for five and a half years with an ease rarely seen in the professional era. He was a PR gift to the Welsh Rugby Union and a personification of the do-as-I-do mantra.
Wyn Jones, however, will bring a different style to the table. Central to the ‘leadership group’ at the heart of the Wales squad for many years he will slip into his new role with ease. But if that conjures thoughts of an ‘as-you-were’ attitude to the Welsh ranks then think again. This campaign will, he says, push Wales towards a new era.
Wyn Jones admits that it would be dangerous to compare the current Wales line-up to teams from years gone by.