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Jones hails Wales’ strength in depth after historic Autumn series

INPHO
Alun Wyn Jones praised the number of players stepping up for Wales as they toppled South Africa 20-11 at Principality Stadium.

Alun Wyn Jones praised the number of players stepping up for Wales as they toppled South Africa 20-11 at Principality Stadium.

The victory means the hosts have their first clean sweep in an Autumn Test series as they made it four wins from four.

It follows triumphs against Scotland, Australia and Tonga earlier this month, as well as making it nine Test wins on the bounce for Warren Gatland’s men.

Wyn Jones said the depth of the squad has helped them string the victories together.

He said: “The effort put into [the winning] it is a habit. We’re very pleased with all the Ws but there are patches we have to work on.

“I think the character we have showed in these games, even Tonga irrelevant of the score-line, I think it’s the most pleasing thing.

“We can’t deny there is depth developing. Credit to the guys, the squad, not just the 23 today but the whole squad who have supported each other through the four tests.

“It’s just another game for myself but it would be hard to deny the depth we have and the number of people putting their hands up.

“It’s hard to put into words having been involved in autumns where we have not been as successful.”

The victory was set up by tries from Tomas Francis and Liam Williams in the first to give Wales a 14-3 lead at the break.

Jesse Kriel grabbed score in the second half after a sustained period of South African pressure.

Elton Jantjies continued the squeeze with a penalty to make it 14-11 but six points in the last 12 minutes from Dan Biggar ensured Wales had the win.

Wyn Jones, who was winning his 120th cap for his country, praised the performance of Ellis Jenkins.

He was called into the side late after an injury to Dan Lydiate, but ended up taking home the man of the match award.

Jenkins assisted Francis for his try and had a try-saving hold-up on the line to stop a South African attack at the end of the first half.

There will be some worries for Wales and his club Cardiff Blues as he left the field on a stretcher after the final whistle.

“The depth in the back row is scary at the minute,” Wyn Jones said.

“Ellis [Jenkins] stepped into the breach after we lost Dan [Lydiate] to an injury in the week. He stepped up to the plate and deserved to be man of the match.”