Physical game pleases comeback captain Jones

Jan 1 2008 South Wales Echo

OSPREYS captain Ryan Jones praised his side’s physical approach after their comfortable Magners League victory over the Cardiff Blues.

“I think we did very well,” said Jones.

“We brought physicality to the game and we have a defence that will win you matches, if not tournaments and championships.

“We are under no illusions that we still have things to work on, but we will not shy away from it.

“We are not a team who accepts defeat lightly.

“The Blues came down here on top of their game and immensely confident. And rightly so because they have been playing very well.

“We were aware of that challenge, we fronted-up and came away with a deserved win.”

Jones was leading the Ospreys out at the Liberty Stadium for the first time after his successful return from a long-term shoulder injury.

The No.8 has come through three matches in nine days after eight months out, and is hoping he can return to the heady height of 2005 when he helped Wales win the Grand Slam and starred on the losing Lions tour of New Zealand.

“It is a relief to be back,” said Jones.

“The biggest fear I had was that when I came back I would have another setback.

“But I knew I was ready and I have backed it up with three games in nine days.

“I am just glad to be playing because it is pretty bad to be sitting in the stands.

“There have been some pretty dark times since 2005 and there have been occasions where you want to throw in the towel.

“But there is nothing that drives you on more than playing on the big stage with the Lions.

“I have experienced it, it is like an addiction and hopefully I can sample it again.”