British and Irish Lions: Maro Itoje hails Alun Wyn Jones’ powers of recovery ahead of first South Africa Test

Maro Itoje has hailed Alun Wyn Jones’ powers of recovery and says he looks as fresh as a 24-year-old ahead of the British and Irish Lions’ first Test against South Africa on Saturday.

Jones, who dislocated his shoulder in a warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield on June 26, is fit to take on the Springboks this weekend.

The 35-year-old managed to recover from his injury in the space of just 18 days and played 30 minutes during the Lions’ 49-3 win over the Stormers in Cape Town.

Jones is now pushing to start against South Africa, with his status as tour captain restored after Ireland scrum-half Conor Murray had initially been appointed as the replacement skipper.

“He looks like a 24-year-old,” Itoje said of Jones with a smile.

“I don’t know what recovery method he’s using, but somehow his hair has grown back on the top of his head as well!

“So whatever recovery [method] he uses, I need to get myself on it! Luckily my hair is on point, but he is looking good.

“Alun Wyn is a man of a lot of experience. Obviously he’s the tour captain and he has that kind of presence about him.

“It’s great to have him back. I know he was desperate to be back and desperate to do whatever he can to help the team be successful.”