Jones will captain Wayne Pivac’s side in what will be the first Welsh Test match since March when the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown hit hard.
He and the Welsh squad are looking forward to returning to the field.
For Jones, the focus is on the match, winning, and seeing the likes of Louis Rees-Zammit and Sam Parry make their international debuts off the bench.
That’s despite the fact Jones is set to equal rugby history at the Stade de France when he equals the world caps record of 148 previously held by New Zealand great Richie McCaw.
“It would be very easy to say you’re tired and be profound but for me I’ve got less years ahead than I have behind and that’s why I’ve still got the hunger,” Jones said.
“I’ve got a few people who have come into my family who are very important. It means more than ever and it will continue to do so. I’m very fortunate again to pull on the red of Wales.
It means more than ever and it will continue to do so. I’m very fortunate again to pull on the red of Wales
“I’m probably past the days of looking back. I’m looking forwards so I’m more excited to see the likes of Louis and Sam come off the bench.
“That’s a massive thing for them and as a player who has been fortunate enough to do it on a few occasions, to be involved when a player starts their journey is massive
“It is very special.”
Alun Wyn Jones will equal Richie McCaw’s cap record against France
Jones and Wales plan to lift the mood of a nation which returned to lockdown on Friday evening with a strong performance at the Stade de France.
He said: “Everyone has got their different experiences of lockdown.
We realise having been involved in successful campaigns in the past you can lift a nation and that’s what we’ll endeavour to do tomorrow and throughout this campaign
“It’s affected the wider world and everyone differently, but I’ve been very fortunate to have time with the family and to let the body heal from the professional side of things.
“Irrelevant of what level you play at whether you’re at mini rugby or professional, we’ve all seen and heard how much people have missed professional sport not just rugby.
“As someone who is very fortunate to wear the red of Wales I’m no different.
“I saw Bill Belichick the coach of the Patriots asked what it was like playing a game behind closed doors and he said it was like practice. For us having already done it domestically we definitely miss the fans and it will be no different at international level.
“I’ve been involved in games where the crowd has got us over the line and got us through tough campaigns.
“We realise having been involved in successful campaigns in the past you can lift a nation and that’s what we’ll endeavour to do tomorrow and throughout this campaign.”
