Press Association
Friday 12th March 2010
Wales forward Alun-Wyn Jones is set to avoid the humiliation of being dropped following his costly Twickenham sin-binning.
The British and Irish Lions lock was slated by Wales coach Warren Gatland following his team's 30-17 defeat against England and their opponents scored 17 unanswered points during his absence either side of half-time after he blatantly tripped England hooker Dylan Hartley.
But the indications are that Gatland will retain 36 times-capped Jones for Saturday's RBS 6 Nations clash with Scotland. Asked if he thought Jones would be left out of the Scotland clash, Wales assistant coach Neil Jenkins said: "I don't think so. We've all made mistakes, and Alun made one on the weekend. He is hurting as much as anyone."
He added: "We've had other players in the past who have been sin-binned and we came through it unscathed. On Saturday, we didn't - we conceded some points.
"It is one of those things. I think we learn from it and we move on. We all know he is a fantastic rugby player.
"When you are playing these games you want your 15 players on the park at all times.
"Giving penalties away to people like (England fly-half) Jonny Wilkinson and most kickers in the world now, you are going to suffer and concede points."
Jones has yet to comment publicly about his moment of madness, yet he has found considerable support from his Wales team-mates.
"I know he will bounce back stronger," said wing Shane Williams. "I think he has learnt his lesson, and there is no-one more gutted than Alun. I hope he is playing on Saturday."
And hooker Gareth Williams added: "He knows he made a mistake, but he knows he's got the full backing of the boys. He was devastated, but he has got to put that to bed now."
