WIng Jones battling for Wales jersey

The Grand Slam winger saw debutant Leigh Halfpenny turn heads in his first Test match last weekend, and it is Halfpenney who is one of just three players retained for Friday’s Invesco Perpetual Series match with Canada. 

With Shane Williams one of the first names on the teamsheet, Jones, back from a knee injury, is facing a shoot-out with Halfpenny for a jersey against the All Blacks on November 22 in Cardiff. 

Jones said: “Leigh is certainly a threat to my place. Over the last few years, there have been a number of young wingers coming through to put pressure on both myself and Shane Williams who have been established in the team for a while. 

“It’s fantastic that there is competition for places and I thought Leigh, at such a young age, performed really well against South Africa. He didn’t let himself or the team down and acquitted himself. I’m sure he’s got a good tatse for the international stage and I’ve got a real fight on my hands. I can’t rest on my laurels and must make sure I’m in good shape, play well and not give him too many opportunities.” 

Jones is back to face a Canadian side who were hammered 55-0 in Ireland last weekend, and the Scarlets flyer reckons Wales cannot afford to take anything for granted at the Millennium Stadium. 

“Canada will be physical and showed us in last year’s World Cup that they can make life difficult for you,” he said. “We will not underestimate them because they are capable of causing an upset. The scoreline last weekend flattered Ireland and they will only get better. We will expect a tough encounter.”