Rugby World Cup 2019: Wallabies wary of influence of veteran Welsh rallying figure Alun Wyn Jones

For all the potential threats Wales possess, it’s a 34-year-old currently playing some of the best rugby of his career that has the Wallabies worried the most ahead of their huge clash on Sunday.

Alun Wyn Jones is closing in on the all-time Test playing record.

• Wallaby winger Hodge banned for three games
• Uruguay pull off massive World Cup upset

Subduing the influence of record-breaking Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones will be at the heart of an Australian win over Wales at the Rugby World Cup, according to Wallabies opposite Rory Arnold.

Towering second-rower Jones will play his 139th Test in Tokyo on Sunday, lifting him to level fourth on the all-time list alongside former Wallabies halfback George Gregan.

By the end of his fourth appearance at the global tournament Jones could be second on the overall cap list behind only All Blacks great Richie McCaw (148).

Stream the Rugby World Cup 2019 on KAYO SPORTS. Every match Live & On-Demand on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Get your 14 day free trial >

Alun Wyn Jones is closing in on the all-time Test playing record.

The 34-year-old’s lofty status in Welsh rugby has scaled new heights since succeeding Sam Warburton as full-time skipper in 2017.

It peaked when he was the driving force behind Wales’ Six Nations grand slam this year, leaving him ranked in some European publications as currently the greatest player in the world.

Arnold said Jones commands the full respect of the Wallabies for his achievements and is a clear rallying figure for the Welsh.

“Obviously he’s accomplished a lot in his career,” Arnold said.

“He’s their go-to at lineout time and he drives their set piece.

“And he’s a big figure in their team. We’ll have to be right on top of our game and shut him down.”

Alun Wyn Jones charges into the Georgia defence.

Jones, who has played nine times for the British and Irlsh Lions, will move clear of Gethin Jenkins as the most capped player for Wales (130 Tests).

Another to have made strides up the global lock pecking order this year is Arnold, whose career-best form for the Brumbies has transferred onto the Test stage.

Former Wallabies captain Phil Kearns compared the Toulouse-bound Arnold with All Blacks enforcer Brodie Retallick after Australia dominated the opening Bledisloe Cup Test in Perth.

Arnold was missing with injury when the Wallabies were hammered in the return match at Eden Park.

Originally published as Rugby World Cup 2019: Wallabies wary of influence of veteran Welsh rallying figure Alun Wyn Jones