Alun-Wyn happy to pack down with O'Connell

With the first Test against the Springboks only 10 days away, and that game coming at the same Absa Stadium venue as tonight's match, it is a seminal fixture for the Test wanabees.

Among them is Ospreys lock Alun-Wyn Jones, who packs down in the second row with tour skipper Paul O'Connell in what many people thought was an unlikely partnership given they are both middle line jumpers.

It has been a great year for Jones. He led Wales for the first time against Italy in the Six Nations and skippered the Lions for 14 minutes when Brian O'Driscoll and Phil Vickery left the field during the big win over the Golden Lions.

Now he knows it is time to "put up, or shut up" as he gets his chance to prove he can play alongside O'Connell and grab a Test spot to face the world renowned Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield.

"I've played against Paul a lot with Ospreys and Wales for the past three years and I'm relishing the opportunity of seeing him from the other side," said Jones.

"It is an exciting prospect playing alongside him and I've a lot admiration for him. I'm simply looking forward to forging a strong partnership with him on Wednesday.

"I've jumped at four, five and six for the Ospreys and there are only subtle differences. It is not a big difference and there are a lot of similarities.

"It is easier to move between front and middle line jumper than it would be between outside half and centre."

O'Connell will stay in his middle of the line position against the Sharks and will be packing down with his third different lock on tour - Simon Shaw, Donnacha O'Callaghan and now Jones.

But he isn't worried about another switch and is also looking forward to playing with a new partnmer.

"Alun-Wyn is a really clever player and I can't believe he is still only 23. I've admired him for some time," said O'Connell.

Even if O'Connell doesn't believe he is a dead cert to play in the first Test, the reality for the rest of the locks in the tour party is that they are playing for one position that's why Jones knows he has been handed a gilt edged opportunity in Durban.

"The Test is in the back of your mind. The next game could determine whether or not you are there and there abouts," he said.

"The pressure is starting to stack up. I know I've got to perform now - it's time to put up or shut up."