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British and Irish Lions: Alun Wyn Jones returns as Lions impress in comfortable win over Stormers in final warm-up

 (Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

The British and Irish Lions cruised to a 49-3 win over the Stormers in their final warm-up before their Test series against South Africa.

Alun Wyn Jones completed his incredible return from injury as he played 27 minutes off the bench – just 22 days after dislocating his shoulder.

The 35-year-old was immediately thrown into defensive action as he was forced into repeated tackles.

But Jones more than stood up to the task and is now in contention to start the first the first Test against South Africa in Cape Town.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland said: "It was a good hit-out for Alun Wyn so I will have a chat with him and see how he fared after that.

“See how the lungs were and we will sit down over the next few days and start thinking about the Test team. Look, it is going to be a tough job picking the Test team because we have so many choices.

“The back three and the loose forwards. There are guys putting their hands up as well and what is going to be the combination in the second row and midfield?

“A lot of choices so there is going to be some serious debate over the next couple of days, but it has been a really good week for us.”

Debutant Marcus Smith fed Louis Rees-Zammit for the best of the Lions’ sevens tries against the Stormers.

Jack Conan, Zander Fagerson and Sam Simmonds touched down in a one-sided second half that saw Harlequins’ Smith come alive with the ball in hand.

The Lions begin a three-Test series against South Africa at Cape Town Stadium on July 24.

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