Alun Wyn Jones targeting fifth World Cup as he gears up for 150th Wales cap

Wales boss Wayne Pivac says there has never been any doubt in his mind that Alun Wyn Jones’ stellar career could incorporate next year’s World Cup.

Jones will win his 150th Wales cap – an ongoing world record – against Guinness Six Nations opponents Italy on Saturday after being named in the starting line-up.

The 36-year-old has not played since suffering a shoulder injury during Wales’ Autumn Nations series opener against New Zealand in late October.

Jones had two operations – and most medical forecasts were that he would miss the entire Six Nations – but he is back ahead of schedule, as he was for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa last summer following shoulder trouble, and partners Adam Beard in the second row.

Fly-half Dan Biggar, who took him over as skipper from Jones for the Six Nations, retains that role and will become the seventh Welshman to win 100 caps for his country after Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Stephen Jones, George North, Martyn Williams and Gareth Thomas.

Asked about Jones’ prospects of going to his fifth World Cup in 18 months’ time, Pivac said: “I hope so, because we have contracted him that far.

“There was never any question in my mind that he would, unless there was injury. He clearly has to maintain form and be selectable.

“Certainly, him and I have the understanding that is his target, that is what he is going towards and we’ve certainly discussed that.

“He has been with us a few weeks and we’ve monitored him. He has trained very well, ticked all the boxes.

“To be playing 150 Test matches for your country, something no-one else on the planet has ever done, just shows he is a special person.”

Pivac paid tribute to Biggar, who has excelled for Wales during the Six Nations and relished