The lock could be ruled out of this week's Test against the Springboks after sustaining a shoulder injury again during Saturday's 54-16 defeat to the All Blacks. This will also depend on the influential players' scans.

Earlier in the year he nearly missed the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa because of a shoulder injury he sustained in a warm-up Test against Japan.

The Welsh are, however, boosted with the return of seven players and they include the flyhalf, Dan Biggar, and the winger Louis Rees-Zammit.

The Boks' assistant coach, Deon Davids, said it will be a big loss for Wales if Jones can’t play.

“For any team, it's a big loss when you lose a captain with so much experience, in terms of the quality he brings as a leader but also in terms of his individual skillset.

“It is a big loss for them. But, in terms of leadership, if we have a look at the Wales team, there are some quality guys that can take them forward.

“Losing a player who was influential even for the British & Irish Lions is a big loss.”

Meanwhile, the Springboks will be naming their team for the Test on Tuesday, as it could see changes to the backline, especially in the back three. 

Aphelele Fassi could be set to play in the absence of the winger, Sbu Nkosi, who is not with the team duo visa issues.

At scrumhalf, there will also be a change with Faf de Klerk out injured.

Saturday tour opener at the Millennium Stadium kicks off at 19:30.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport