Ryan Jones: Forget talk of a grudge game

Mar 2 2008 by Simon Roberts, Wales On Sunday

RYAN JONES believes Warren Gatland’s history with Ireland won’t be any extra motivation for the Triple Crown clash in Dublin.

The Wales skipper has revealed that his boss hasn’t made any mention of his controversial demise as Ireland coach.

Gatland’s first return to Dublin to face his former employers is being billed as a grudge match.

“We haven’t spoken to Warren about his time in Ireland and we don’t know anything about that,” said Jones.

“It’s not about that, anyway. It’s about the players on the pitch.

“Personal agendas aren’t an issue and it’s all about getting the win.”

The big No 8, who Gatland appointed as his captain, hasn’t lost a game as Wales skipper.

“It’s been quite a ride so far,” said Jones. “Everybody has expectations, on and off the field, but we have made a good start.”

The Lions and Wales back-rower’s breakthrough season at Test level was when Wales clinched a historic Grand Slam in 2005.

He went on to do the same with the Lions in the same year; but two major shoulder injuries have blighted the last few years of his career.

But Jones is now back and at the heart of the Gatland-inspired revival.

Now, he admits Wales’ clash at Croke Park will be the toughest test for his buoyant side.

A victory in Dublin would leave Wales with a Grand Slam clash against France at the Millennium Stadium.

“This is the big one and if we get a result it sets us up,” said Jones.

“We have to get it right. Personally, I have never played Test rugby in Ireland.

“I have only been to Lansdowne Road as a mad Taff.

“We haven’t done that well out there and have to set the record straight.

“But the place holds no fears for us. We have to be confident and believe we can do the job.

“They say Croke Park will be less intimidating because the crowd are further away, but it will still be full of 80,000 mad Irishmen.

“It’s just going to be a hell of an occasion.”

Wales have an appalling record in Dublin and haven’t won there since 2000. Ironically, Graham Henry’s Wales beat Gatland’s Ireland at the old Lansdowne Road.

A year later, both New Zealanders were out of their jobs – Henry back in New Zealand and Gatland with Wasps.

Both have enjoyed great success and Gatland, in particular, appears to have the Midas touch. Jones also believes Wales’ recent success under Gatland isn’t any down to any big secret.

“He’s not a magician and he hasn’t come in with a magic wand,” said Jones.

“He is just a typical Kiwi and speaks his mind. Shaun Edwards is straight-talking, too.

“We spend a lot of time doing, rather than a lot of time analysing, as we did in the past.

“Both of them aren’t afraid to be critical and the players respond to that.”

Jones brushed off Gatland’s criticism of Welsh rugby’s star culture, when he claimed many of his squad were ‘pampered’.

In fact, Jones even has some sympathy for his boss’ motives and does believe Welsh culture doesn’t help.

“It’s a Welsh thing, really,” said Jones.

“We do love to build people up just so we can knock them down. Why we do that? I have no idea.

“It’s just part and parcel of being a rugby player in this country and you understand it.”

The Wales captain is also adamant that his side won’t be thinking about a possible Grand Slam.

“We just have to focus on the game,” said Jones.

“We have a common goal and we have a job to do. We are professionals and all we are interested in is winning.”