Edwards factor a big plus for Mark Jones

Jan 10 2008 by Blair Wood, Western Mail

SCARLETS winger Mark Jones has admitted impressing potential Wales coach Shaun Edwards will be an extra motivation when he steps out against Wasps this weekend.

Wasps coach Edwards is continually being linked to a part-time role in Warren Gatland’s new Wales regime.

And Jones knows Sunday’s Heineken Cup clash with the Londoners gives him the perfect opportunity to show the former rugby league star exactly what he is made of.

Even though a deal is yet to be finalised, Gatland has made it clear he wants Edwards, one of the hottest properties in world rugby, to be his right-hand man for the upcoming Six Nations.

And, if he does join the Kiwi’s coaching staff, Edwards is certain to play a key role in deciding who starts for Wales in their Six Nations opener at Twickenham on February 2.

Should that be the case, an impressive performance at Adams Park would do Jones, and the rest of the Scarlets’ Wales internationals, the world of good.

And, while he is well aware the team’s interests come first, the importance of Edwards’ opinion is not lost on the pacy winger.

“Whether it’s myself or any of the other boys, it has to be an added motivation,” said Jones.

“There is a possibility he will be joining Wales on a part-time basis so it wouldn’t hurt to catch his eye at the weekend.

“Obviously, it can’t be a selfish act and you have to perform well within the team. If you try to do everything on your own then more than likely you trip over and fall on your face.

“Playing on the wing, you are very dependant on the rest of the team performing well. But, if I can take my chances when they come, that will be good.”

Irrespective of whether Edwards ends up being part of the Wales staff for the Six Nations, Jones knows his performance on Sunday could have ramifications for the part he plays in the tournament.

With 17 tries to his name, the 28-year-old has been happy with his form this season.

But, with Gatland set to name his squad in the coming weeks, he has extra motivation to raise his game even further.

“The squad announcement is a big thing for us,” he said.

“It’s certainly the driving motivation for me.

“I want the team to do well and, if I perform well within that team, obviously opportunities might come along at a higher level.

“I’m sure all the boys out on the field will be trying to impress the powers that be and get some sort of recognition.”

He continued, “I have been quite pleased with my own form. It’s been difficult because we have lost out in the big games, but I am reasonably pleased with how I’m playing.

“I can always do better, but I’m just happy to be playing regularly and be injury free. It helps when you have a run of games and I just have to keep plugging away.”

While Edwards has been hailed as one of the best defensive coaches in the game, it was the Scarlets inability to contain the Wasps attack that cost them dearly when the Londoners came to Stradey Park earlier this season.

Two early tries from the European champions effectively ended the game for Phil Davies’ men.

And, if the Scarlets are to get the victory he believes they are capable of, Jones knows full-well they can ill-afford to give the hosts a similar start this time around.

“We can’t afford to miss the tackles we did last time,” he said. “It’s a key part of the game and we gave them a 14-point lead after 20 minutes last time.

“You are always going to be up against it after that. The key for us is working on our defence, not just as individuals, but as a unit.

“We may be a bit low on confidence because we haven’t been winning games recently. But if you look around the changing room, there’s some good players there and there’s no reason to think we can’t win this game.”

For Jones that defensive challenge is likely to come in the shape of in-form winger Paul Sackey.

The Welshman is full of respect for his opposite number and, should they both play, he knows he will be in for a long afternoon against the England international.

He added, “If we both play they, I will probably be up against Sackey. He’s always been a good player and try scorer, but, since the World Cup, he is getting the recognition he deserves.

“He's got bags of pace and he is a physical guy too.

“He is as good a winger as there is at the moment and he will be a tough opponent.”