Jones: Wales are gathering momentum

ALUN-WYN JONES believes Wales have established World Cup momentum despite losing their opening game against South Africa.

Wales’ 17-16 defeat means they cannot realistically afford any further Pool D slip-ups, with Samoa next Sunday being followed by Namibia and Fiji. But lock Jones has no doubt Wales are on the right road in pursuit of a quarter-final place.

“The funny thing is we are always under pressure, given the nature of the beast and what we are involved in,” he said. “It’s only one game in, but we are trying to create that momentum that we had when we’ve been involved in Six Nations Grand Slams in the past.

“The first win here has proved elusive, but there is momentum even from a loss which we can use to our advantage. It was a massive disappointment losing by a point. I think you’d rather get pumped than lose by one. But there was also so much good we can take from that game.”

Samoa launched their World Cup against Namibia in Rotorua this morning and Jones believes they are more than a big-tackling team, having seen them beat Australia earlier this summer. “The outstanding thing about them (against Australia) was their work in contact,” said Jones.