Tonight’s rugby news as Alun Wyn Jones raises Wales captaincy point and legend blown away by rookie

Your evening rugby headlines on Saturday, July 13.

Alun Wyn Jones makes captaincy point

Alun Wyn Jones says that the absence of co-captaincy is helping Dewi Lake as skipper of Wales.

In the Rugby World Cup last year, Lake and Ospreys team-mate Jac Morgan were named as co-captains for the tour. With Morgan injured for most of the season, Lake has been given all the responsibility upon returning from an injury of his own for the series against Australia.

He bagged two tries against the Wallabies on Saturday and the Sky Sports studio spoke of his leadership qualities after the 36-28 defeat.

“He’s doing both sides of the ball,” began Jones. “Defence and attack. But, I think just getting up there, and getting in front, obviously at the minute they are under a lot of pressure. Probably internally from coaches and externally from view points.

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“But I think what’s probably made it easier for him as a leader is that there is no joint-captaincy. So he’s not worried about – ‘Shall I say this? Shall I not?’

“Sometimes it’s easier having one captain, not just for the captain himself, but for the squad as well. In fairness he took hold of that responsibility and is playing well with it.”

Sam Warburton: Wales star stood out

Sam Warburton has sung the praises of Archie Griffin after his performance against Australia.

The Bath Rugby prop was making just his second start in any form of professional rugby, and it was against the mighty Wallabies.

Despite taking a hit to the head from lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, and being off the field for 15 minutes, he offered stability in the scrum and was a strong carrying option too.

“We know that Wales aren’t in a position to come out here and realistically put Australia to the sword twice,” explained Warburton on Sky Sports. “We want to see growth in combinations in young players.

“Players who come to my mind, like Archie Griffin at tight-head.

“It was only his second professional start, and the scrum looked way better this week. The way contributes – we’ve always struggled for props that can carry, but he offered Wales a real good carrying option.”

Later on in the analysis, Warburton came back to Griffin again, drawing comparisons with a Welsh icon. “I’m going to mention him again,” said Warburton. “I’ve always thought tight-head… no disrespect to anyone who’s played for Wales at tight-head, there have been some great tight-heads, but ever since Adam Jones played tight-head for Wales, we haven’t had a Lions-esque tight-head.

“It’s very early days, but I thought Archie Griffin… that’s what I want to see from this tour. Some of the young combinations, how did Archie Griffin do? Brilliantly. How was Dewi Lake? I thought (Christ) Tshiunza and Daf Jenkins did well in the second row in Will Rowlands and Adam Beard’s absence. Jim Botham stepping in when we’ve got Jac Morgan sitting at home still, who is a phenomenal player.

“Looking at that pack now, from a forwards perspective, we are getting depth now. You want two good players in every position. Now you are looking at a pack, I’m seeing signs now where we will have an (number) eight and a back up eight to challenge the top table.”

All Blacks beat England

New Zealand defeated England 24-17 in the second Test at Eden Park.

The All Blacks’ incredible record at the venue continued as they edged England again to secure back-to-back victories over Steve Borthwick’s touring side.

England started the game incredibly well, with fly-half Marcus Smith instrumental in two tries from Immanuel Feyi-Waboso and Tommy Freeman, who both dotted down after cross-kicks from the Harlequins 10.

The introduction of Beauden Barrett turned the tide for the home side, with the 33-year-old portraying moments of the world-class ability he possesses. Most notably, he opened up Mark Telea on the left flank to dot down for the all-important score.

Four penalties from starting outside-half Damian McKenzie ensured the Kiwis remained undefeated in the series. A late surge from the men in white was quashed after they were penalised for an infringement in the run up to their potential try.

A series win sees new head coach Scott Robertson get off to a strong start ahead of the Rugby Championship later this summer.

Elsewhere in the Test match arena, Georgia defeated Japan 25-23 at Yertec Stadium in Sendai.

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