Alun Wyn Jones substituted just eight minutes into Lions' warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield; fellow Lions forward Justin Tipuric also forced off with injury during worrying first half for head coach Warren Gatland
Saturday 26 June 2021 17:56, UK
British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones was forced off with a shoulder injury against Japan in their first warm-up match ahead of this summer's tour of South Africa.
It is a major scare for the Lions, who hosted Japan at Murrayfield before they head to South Africa for five more warm-up matches and three Tests against the world champions.
Jones left the field after just eight minutes of Saturday's 28-10 victory after being hurt contesting a ruck, with England lock Courtney Lawes replacing him.
The 35-year-old appeared to be in severe pain as his left arm was tended to by the Lions medical staff, before he was eventually helped off the pitch.
There was further cause for concern for the Lions later in the first half when Jones' Wales team-mate Justin Tipuric was also forced off with an injury.
The specifics of Tipuric's problem were unclear but he appeared in discomfort as he left the field and was replaced by Taulupe Faletau in the 22nd minute.
Despite the disruption, the Lions scored three tries in the opening 24 minutes to open up a 21-0 lead, and held firm in the second period to close out a 28-10 victory over the 2019 World Cup quarter-finalists.
Warren Gatland's side's first fixture in South Africa is against Johannesburg-based club side Lions on Saturday July 3, while the first Test of the series is three weeks later.
More to follow...
