Jones, who arrived in Christchurch five days ago as cover for the injured Scottish No.8 Simon Taylor, who has since been ruled out of the rest of the tour, has been included in an all-change Lions team for the fifth of their eleven matches here in New Zealand. Furthermore, he will be joined in the side by fellow Osprey Shane Williams and Blues flanker Martyn Williams.
“My call up came right out of the blue, but I really want to make an impression,” said Jones. “I haven’t just come for the ride.”
When he first arrived, Jones had no idea if and when his chance would come. However, having suitably impressed coach Sir Clive Woodward in training this week, the young Ospreys star will step up to the plate in Dunedin.
British & Irish Lions team v Otago
G Murphy
D Hickie
W Greenwood
G D’Arcy
S Williams
C Hodgson
C Cusiter
G Rowntree
G Bulloch (capt)
M Stevens
S Shaw
D O’Callaghan
L Moody
M Williams
R Jones
Replacements
S Thompson
A Sheridan
D Grewcock
S Easterby
M Dawson
O Smith
R O’Gara
