The Lions’ 24-21 win over 14-man New Zealand at Westpac Stadium has set up an intriguing battle at Eden Park.
Experienced lock Jones, who was at the heart of an impressive Lions forward pack in the second Test, plans to enjoy the moment of a win over the back-to-back world champions before focusing on the task of what would be a first Lions series victory in New Zealand since 1971.
“When you get to these stages in your career you have to enjoy the moment first and foremost,” Jones said.
“We’ve got to make sure we enjoy this win because I’ve had similar occasions in the past and not enjoyed them. We’ll get the best out of everyone if we do enjoy it.
“Work sometimes becomes an obsession and that’s not good. You have to realise where you are and what you’re doing, so I’m going to enjoy it.
“But it’s still a level series and that’s all it is at the moment. We stepped up from the first Test and there’s no doubt that they’ll do that this week. We need to build on this and be ready.”
Jones’ place in Warren Gatland’s side was doubted after the Lions were beaten 30-15 in the first Test.
He responded impressively, partnering the outstanding Maro Itoje in the boiler room before being replaced by Courtney Lawes.
“We have showed our physicality in spurts, against the Crusaders I think we showed what we could do as a pack. We answered questions some questions again,” Jones said.
“Individiduals make packs and when individuals within that do their job, then you get a complete forward performance. For the large part there was a lot of that, particularly in the first half.
“We stressed the importance of not going down to 14 when they did the same, but we weathered the storm and stuck to what we were trying to do.”
Sonny Bill Williams’ red card means he will miss the third Test with the Lions at Eden Park, a venue where the All Blacks haven’t been beaten since 1994.
Jones has previous experience of a Lions series decider. In 2013 he captained Gatland’s side to a convincing 41-16 third Test win over Australia in Sydney.
“There were people that were injured then, so I’m very aware I was third choice and at the back of the queue for that,” he said.
“But for the large part when we did that, nothing changed. We know what’s at stake and the intensity in the game will go up again, as it did four years ago. Very little will change from our point of view. I don’t see why we can’t improve.
“We’re 1-1 and we’ve got a big week ahead. We need to switch off and recover, but then we’ll look at those penalties and certain areas where we can probably play a little bit wider.
“On the whole the performance wasn’t complete, but we’ll patch those areas up because we’re going to be facing an All Blacks team that’s chomping at the bit next week.”
