Stephen Jones has given British & Irish Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward real food for thought after a magnificent kicking display in Wales’ 24-18 Six Nations win in France.
With first-choice fly-half Jonny Wilkinson beset by injury problems, the number 10 jersey on the summer tour to New Zealand is well and truly up for grabs, and Jones’ man-of-the-match display will have gone a long way to putting him in the forefront of Woodward’s plans.
Jones’ performance with the boot was almost flawless as he landed a conversion, three penalties and a match-clincing drop goal.
But it is the way he dictatated the tempo of Wales’ remarkable comeback from a 15-6 half-time deficit that could mark him out from his rivals when the three-Test series gets under way.
But Jones refused to accept an personal glory for the win.
"Two years ago in the Six Nations, Wales did not win a single game – and we have worked hard since then and are a very happy camp at the moment," he told BBC1.
"It is a very special camp to be involved in.
"We have got hard matches to come against good opposition [Scotland and Ireland] and we are very happy with the start we have had."
