Experienced second row Jones will make his ninth consecutive Lions Test appearance at Eden Park and has been a vital cog on the 2009, 2013 and 2017 tours.
Howley, who coaches Jones with Wales and the Lions, emphasised the importance the 31-year-old brings to any team at his press conference in Auckland on the eve of the game.
“Alun Wyn Jones’ achievement this weekend is very special. He joins a unique group of players and for him to do what he has done is just magical,” he said.
“The players know what needs to be done and the emotion will come naturally at the weekend. It’s about making sure we’re there physically and Alun Wyn has been outstanding at that.
“He joins a unique group of players, when you look at Mike Gibson, Willie-John McBride and Gareth Edwards. It’s unbelievable, really.
“He’s a special rugby player and his balance with Maro Itoje at lock has been outstanding. I think the point of difference against the All Blacks is the front five and we feel we are matching them there.”
Jones starts as part of an unchanged Lions XV against the All Blacks.
With the series locked at 1-1, everything is on the line. There has only ever been one Lions series win in New Zealand – that was in 1971 – and Warren Gatland’s side know they are on the verge of something special
“To be in this position after the last six or seven weeks we have had is a great opportunity. We are looking forward to the challenge,” Howley said.
“We are up against the world champions and we have to continue to make improvements to challenge them. That’s exciting for us. We want to put pressure on the All Blacks and we have to be better than we were last week to do that.
“We have a couple of plays up our sleeves, but I think we have shown good intent and ambition to play in the wide channels so far.
“Last week we were clinical and against a side like the All Blacks you have to take your chances. It’s just going to be a great game to be involved in.”
Steve Hansen’s All Blacks remain favourites to come out on top. But a sea of red has arrived in Auckland with thousands of Lions fans ready to roar on Gatland’s tourists.
Howley is banking on the experience of the likes of Jones coming to the fore.
“The key thing from the first Test was our lack of physicality. We showed that in abundance in the second Test and we will need to do that again,” he said.
“We have spoken about this game being like a World Cup final and there will only be one or two chances. We have to take them. There are nine players who were there in 2013 and we have a lot of experience.
“It’s about trusting your players, because some of them have been on two or three tours.
“We know we can create history this weekend and you can see the glint in the players’ eyes. They’ve got an opportunity and now they have to take it.”
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