Skipper Jones will lead his country in Sunday’s Rugby World Cup clash with Australia and become Wales’ record cap holder in the process.
The 34-year-old will overtake Gethin Jenkins’ previous best when he makes his 130th appearance at Tokyo Stadium in Japan.
Gatland is in no doubt over how much Jones has contributed to Welsh rugby over the years since he made his international debut in Argentina in 2006.
He said: “Since Alun Wyn has been captain we don’t have as many fights at training because he used to start most of them! That’s how competitive he was.
“People who get to the top have a drive and a desire to want to be successful and he’s definitely done that. To become Wales’ record Test player with 130 caps is pretty special.
“He joins George Gregan as the fourth highest and hopefully there are many more to come.
“He doesn’t say a lot, he just leads from the front at training and matches and sets a great example for the senior players and in particular the younger players.
“We’re very lucky to have him in the team and captaining the side.”
Jones always puts the welfare of the Wales team before any personal milestones, but admitted Sunday’s match would be a moment to savour.
“On a personal level the record is nice for myself and my family, but there is a much bigger picture which is the game,” said Ospreys captain Jones. “I don’t think anybody is going to be worried about the numbers on the stats sheets. My focus is the game.”
Gatland has named an unchanged starting XV to face Australia on the back of a 43-14 opening-round World Cup win over Georgia.
The only change from that game is on the bench where Owen Watkin replaces Leigh Halfpenny.
Centre Watkin is providing cover for Hadleigh Parkes who is fit to start the game but is also dealing with a small fractured bone in his hand.
“We had a good debate about the loose forwards and whether we started Ross Moriarty. We felt we played pretty well in the first half against Georgia so it was not fair to drop anyone,” Gatland said.
“We thought Wyn Jones scrummaged exceptionally well and our scrum was very good considering we came to this World Cup thinking Georgia had one of the strongest scrums.
“We were pleased with that aspect and we are just building on that first game. We are really excited about Sunday night.
“Owen has been coming off the bench for us and doing a good job. Hadleigh has a small fracture in his hand so has not taken much of a part in training this week. It is just to make sure we have cover there that if that hand does give him problems during the match then we can make a change.
“The longer we go in tournaments we feel as if we get better and more cohesive. It is going to be a tough Australian team, but we have had some close battles in recent times and were good enough to get a win last time. We have trained well this week and the guys have definitely gone up a notch in intensity. I think it’s going to be a great game.”
