Jones ready for centurion clash

 

Jones has packed down alongside O'Connell on two Lions tours and the experienced duo will go head to head when Wales host Ireland at the Millennium Stadium, with O'Connell poised to win his 100th cap for the Men in Green.

 

Jones is not too far off a century of caps himself, with 87 for Wales, and he is excited about stepping one closer against O'Connell.

 

"You associate words like icon and talisman with him," said Jones. 

 

"He is the ultimate team player.

 

"I remember a quote of his a while back that puts the role of a forward, particularly a tight-five forward, into the right perception for anyone – it is a job you do to make other people look good, and he has been doing that for Ireland since he has had the jersey.

 

"It highlights his drive and determination for the team, which is more than any individual feat.

 

"I have played alongside him a few times in some pretty big games. 

 

"He is all for the team.

 

"He speaks when he needs to and what he says is not for the sake of it, but has meaning.

 

"He is one of the few guys able to back that up with performances, and he has a CV that speaks for itself."