Wales have not won in Dublin for eight years since their 23-19 victory in 2000 and have lost seven of their last eight meetings with Ireland.
But they top the 2008 RBS Six Nations table after an unbeaten start under Warren Gatland that began with a first win at Twickenham for 20 years. And now skipper Jones is ready to break Ireland’s spell tomorrow (Sat) after writing off Croke Park as “just another” pitch.
Jones said: “Croke Park will be a new experience for us but Twickenham was a fortress for England and we managed to win there.
“We know what it takes to win away and if you get it right on the day, it doesn’t matter if you are playing here, there or anywhere. Wherever you go the pitch is always 100 metres by 60 metres, and with all the mad Taff fans going over for the game, we should be OK.”
Wales are gunning for their 19th Triple Crown this weekend and have been thwarted five times by Ireland. But history may be on Wales’s side this year after winning in Dublin in 1978, 1988 and 1998.
Jones said: “I’ve never faced Ireland before but we’re all aware what is at stake. There will definitely be an extra edge to this game. The Triple Crown would be great, but we haven’t won anything yet.
“It’s all about who gets it right on the day. We’re focused on what we need to do and we’ve got a huge belief. Certainly we’ll be mentally ready.
“International rugby is never easy, so it’s going to be a hell of a battle out there. But if we impose ourselves on Ireland in the same way we have done on the last three games then we know we can win.”
Wales have re-called Twickenham heroes Mike Phillips, Huw Bennett, Adam Jones and Alun Wyn Jones, but Ireland have fit-again talisman Paul O’Connell back on board.
Jones said: “Paul will have a huge influence on the match and he’s certainly a man that we will have to keep an eye on. I played with him on the Lions tour to New Zealand and I’ve got huge respect for him as a man and as a player. He’s a massive figure for Ireland.”
