Dafydd's seven delight

The burning question in Welsh rugby was answered on Sunday when Warren Gatland named Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones at openside for the first Test against South Africa.

The burning question in Welsh rugby was answered on Sunday when Warren Gatland named Scarlets flanker Dafydd Jones at openside for the first Test against South Africa.

With Martyn Williams and Robin Sowden-Taylor ruled out through injury many people expected Jonathan Thomas to fill the vacant seven shirt. Gatland, no stranger to making surprise calls, had other thoughts and has put his faith in Jones.

Jones, who has not played for Wales since his replacement appearance against France in 2006, has had to watch the recent Welsh revival from the stands. He has seen enough to know the squad is one full of quality and with a great unity.

“Now that I have experienced the work ethic and the togetherness of the squad I fully understand how Wales achieved such success in the 2008 Six Nations,” he said speaking at the side's Cape Town base.

“When you are not in the squad you wish the boys all the best but a part of you always wants to be there. It drives you.

“I am delighted to be back in and to be selected for the first match. I'm grateful for my opportunity and really looking forward to it.

“All I can do is my best for the team and I am just thrilled to be starting on Saturday.”

Eight of Jones' 29 caps have come at openside, so he is no stranger to the position, although he knows he has a huge task in living up to Martyn Williams.

“Martyn Williams is a massive player so I know I have big boots to fill,” Jones added.

“I have played in the same side as Martyn more than 20 times and I've got nothing but respect for him. He's a great bloke and an awesome player.

“All I can do is my best and that is what I am concentrating on. Obviously we are different kinds of players but I am confident of my form.

“I've worked hard and, although things haven't gone my way on the pitch, I have always believed in myself. At times because of injuries I have felt frustrated but now I am comfortable with my game.

Having played in all three back row positions this season Jones is well equipped to play seven, and is thankful all the hard work has paid off for him.

“I've played across the back row for club and country so I am very comfortable at number seven,” he added.

“I have played seven for the Scarlets this season and in the region we play left and right so I am totally familiar with it.

“Right now I am just feeling chuffed to bits. Over the last month we've all worked hard and it was always a case of each of us trying to get into the Test team.

“I'm grateful for my opportunity and I'm really looking forward to it. All I can do is my best for the team on Saturday.”

Having been plagued with injury over the last two years Jones' delight is even greater, having finally had a decent run to prove his form.

“I never stopped believing in myself,” he said.

“I've got an awesome family and they have stuck by me through thick and thin.

“South Africa is a great place to come on tour with two big Test matches and it will be a great challenge for the boys and as a group we are really looking forward to it.”