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Alun Wyn Jones and Warren Gatland during Wales training at Twickenham

Alun Wyn Jones and Warren Gatland during Wales training at Twickenham

Jones looks ahead to England challenge

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Alun Wyn Jones says his Wales team are ready to rock ahead of their Rugby World Cup warm-up clash with England at Twickenham on Sunday.

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Warren Gatland’s side have been training hard in Cardiff and at a camp in the Swiss Alps ahead of the tournament in Japan.

Captain Jones and his team-mates are hoping to build on their Six Nations Grand Slam and extend their winning streak which stands at 14 matches.

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After facing England at Twickenham Wales have a rematch with the Red Rose at a sold-out Principality Stadium on Saturday before home and away meetings with Ireland.

“There is probably a bit of pressure on us and we are calling it a Test because we don’t want to talk it down,” said Wales captain Jones, who will win a Welsh record 135th cap against England.

“We won’t take it lightly, but we have to be confident. There are a few of us who have been here (Twickenham) and been successful.

“We are very real in what we have achieved and where we can improve. We are a settled side, but that does put pressure on us. It’s not about records and there are still gears we can move into.

“The caveat to that is you can’t be complacent. It is the first game of the season and England have picked a different side which makes them more dangerous than ever.

“I am looking forward to getting out on the field.”

Jones will become his country’s most capped player against England if you include British & Irish Lions appearances.

He will also become the fifth most capped player of all time behind Richie McCaw, Brian O’Driscoll, George Gregan and Sergio Parisse.

“It’s validation for the support network I’ve had throughout my career – not just in the professional realms but my family, my wife and my children too,” he added.

“That makes me proud, but a lot of people have contributed to my career. That is more special for me than the number itself.”

A late change on the Wales bench has seen Aled Davies replace Tomos Williams as scrum-half cover.

England have made late changes too with Joe Cokanasiga replacing Ruaridh McConnochie (hip) on the right wing.

Jonathan Joseph will play at outside centre instead of Henry Sade (knee).

Tom Curry switches to openside flanker with Lewis Ludlam coming in for Sam Underhill (toe) on the blindside.

“England announce their final 31 on Monday and have a few different combinations,” Jones said.

“It’s always dangerous when you don’t know how those combinations will work with different guys in different jerseys. Again it reverts to our defence. It has been pretty decent, so hopefully we continue that.

“We will have to have one eye on the dangers England will pose.”

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