DRAGONS skipper Cory Hill renewed his second-row partnership with Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones in Saturday’s 21-10 defeat of Scotland before admitting the Ospreys colossus is someone he idolises.

Jones won a 118th Test cap for his country at the weekend as he led the hosts to victory in their opening game of this season’s autumn campaign.

Hill, 99 caps behind Jones on 19, has forged a strong bond with his leader in recent years, while also linking up with the likes of Adam Beard, Seb Davies and Bradley Davies on the summer tour.

Speaking after yet another Principality Stadium victory over the Scots, Hill highlighted the fierce competition for places in the middle of the scrum and hailed Jones and his stature within rugby.

“Alun wasn’t there in the summer and the other boys played very well,” he said. “Adam Beard really shone and Seb Davies is coming through as well.

“Jake Ball is obviously back from injury, back in the mix and playing really well for the Scarlets.

“We’ve got massive competition in that area and every time you put the jersey on you’ve got to play out of your skin to keep it.”

He added: “Hats off to Alun Wyn, he’s done it for 12 years and he’s still going strong, and I can’t see him slowing down any time soon.

“He’s a fantastic player, everyone in the world knows it, and sees it week in and week out.

“He does it for the Ospreys and then he obviously does it for Wales.

“Effectively, you idolise him and you look at his game and try to pull out as many things from it to put into yours to make you a better player.”

Alongside Ross Moriarty, Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright and Leon Brown, Hill was one of five Dragons players to feature for Wales on Saturday.

Hooker Dee came off the bench twice for Ken Owens but sat out the last 10 minutes following a yellow card as Scotland tried desperately to reduce the gap late on.

“It was one of those where we were desperately defending,” said Hill.

“Two minutes before that he made a hell of a try-saving tackle which probably saved us the game at the end.

“He probably took one for the team with the yellow card. Luckily, we managed to hold out when he was off so great credit to the front row.

“They dug in towards the end with seven men in the scrum and managed to turn it around and win a scrum penalty.”

Hill will be looking to keep his jersey for Saturday’s visit of Australia to Cardiff, traditionally a very happy hunting ground for the Wallabies.

“We’ve played Australia first in the autumn a number of times and come up short on most of those occasions.

“Getting game time in last week will obviously stand us in good stead for this week.

“I’m sure Australia will come with a big attacking mindset, so our defence has got to be on point and really target the breakdown.”