Alun Wyn Jones deserves same Lions roar as Maro Itoje, says Graham Rowntree

By James Dale

Image: Alun Wyn Jones is the 'engine room' for the Lions, says Graham Rowntree

Maro Itoje chants drowned out New Zealand's support but Alun Wyn Jones deserves the Lions' roars too, says assistant coach Graham Rowntree.

Warren Gatland backed Jones in the Lions' second Test victory over the All Blacks on Saturday, despite failing to impress in the 30-15 defeat in the opening series meeting.

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The Wales lock repaid the faith shown in him with a dominant display in the pack as the Lions set up a series decider for next week's clash at Eden Park in Auckland, live on Sky Sports 1 HD.

Although England second-row Itoje earned the headlines as his name rung around Westpac Stadium, Rowntree believes Jones deserves similar accolades.

"I was pleased with the output from both our second rows," said Rowntree. "Alun Wyn hasn't got as catchy a song as Maro Itoje. I think he needs to develop a song for himself.

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"But I am pleased for Alun Wyn. He is in the engine room, he's the tight-head lock.

"And his graft in the loose, he gives you a lot in the loose, almost as much as a back rower, and then there's his lineout work too.

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Maro Itoje has enjoyed a meteoric rise and could cement his status as Lions legend by conquering the All Blacks in Saturday's decider.

"I was pleased with his performance and it was appropriate that we brought Courtney Lawes on at the right time. Alun Wyn had put in a big shift."

The Lions must end New Zealand's staggering record of 39 matches without defeat at their Auckland stronghold to complete a second-ever series win over the All Blacks.

The tourists have already lost 22-16 to the Blues and then 30-15 in the first Test at Eden Park this time around, but Rowntree believes they can turn their experience there into a positive.

"Luckily we have been there recently," said Rowntree of Eden Park. "We played the Blues there and it was a great atmosphere that night.

Maro Itoje's former coach, Andy Holloway says the Saracens and Lions second row still has room to improve his game and fulfil his potential.

"And obviously the first Test was there. We have had a taste of it. It will be a white hot atmosphere on Saturday night. These guys have all played in big stadiums and on big occasions before.

"And I am sure they will rise to the occasion."

New Zealand surrendered an unbeaten record on home soil dating back to September 2009 in Saturday's second Test loss to the Lions, and Rowntree echoed Gatland's warning on what to expect from the All Black next weekend.

"A reaction; a massive reaction," he said. "They don't normally make so many mistakes, do they, and they'll be hurting from that - as we were from the first Test last week."

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