Confident: Adam Jones
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Ospreys and Wales prop Adam Jones believes that Wales can retain their Six Nations title next year, despite four losses in November, a string of results which has seen the odds on them winning lengthen with bookmakers like Paddy Power.
Jones missed the Tests against Argentina, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia due to a knee injury, but returned for the Ospreys in their victory over Toulouse in the Heineken Cup last weekend.
Wales will be without Dan Lydiate and Rhys Priestland for the Six Nations, two key players in last year's successful campaign, but Jones believes that despite those losses Wales still have a squad good enough to compete for the title under Rob Howley - and a squad that can still be backed for a good return by punters who like to bet on rugby.
"If we can get everyone fit, we can give anyone in the Six Nations a run for their money," said Jones.
"It was tough to miss the autumn series because you know what it's like in camp - the build-up is always exciting.
"It was probably a good series to miss, the way it turned out. But I don't think we've turned into a poor team overnight. There's a lot of talent in the squad.
"If we can get everyone fit, we can give anyone in the Six Nations a run for their money.
"A lot has been made about Warren Gatland being away on Lions duty, but the coaches there are fantastic anyway.
"Of course Gats is a big influence, but I don't see why we can't retain our title. It's obviously going to be difficult, but I don't see why not."
Comments
LondonWasp says...
as an englishman, Wales v England will be a hard game.
To kill a dragon in its lair is always a difficult task
before I saw France destroy Australia I would have said Wales would come 1st with no Grandslam- but now i think it would be foolish to say France wont get a Grandslam now.
I think they will come 2nd if they beat Eng, 3rd if they don't
1 France
2/3 England/wales
4th Ireland
5/6 Italy/Scotland
Posted 19:37 18th December 2012
jontheref says...
I think the best we will do is 3rd., even that is a little hopeful.
Winning three after the autumn will be seen as a success!
Then Grand Slam in 2014! After players are rested after a low count on lions duty.
Posted 12:50 18th December 2012
roddyo says...
4th position is reserved for England in the 6 N. Top France, Second Wales, Third Ireland , 4th England , 5 and 6 Italy/Scotland
Posted 11:23 18th December 2012
melkdave says...
Well atm i think his the only person ,who thinks Wales can defend the championship,no favourable draw this year ,and players still performing well below their best including A.Jones imo,and injuries just keep coming .Think @Armchairgeneral maybe right and 4th ,the best Wales can look forward too atm in the 6Ns.
Posted 01:20 18th December 2012
TVaddict says...
What is the point of articles like these? It's hardly like the player is going to talk about how his team don't have a chance.
Posted 23:42 17th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
That's 4th in the 6N not 4th in the world.
Posted 15:11 17th December 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
I'd say 4th would be a fair reflection of where they stand. But you never know and it's good he rates Wales.
Posted 15:10 17th December 2012