There wasn’t much room for improvement leading into the Championship but the Ospreys second row has underpinned his colossal presence for Wales in the last four weeks.
Dominating performances have seen the 29-year-old regularly feature in the tournament’s team of the week alongside his Man of the Match performances.
Speaking to the media at Wales’ Vale Resort base last week, Jones had his audience captivated as he described his ultra-competitive streak and pure desire for success.
“I am proud of being a bad loser. Bad losers are winners,” he said.
“It’s black and white to me.
“I usually don’t talk for three days after a defeat. Then you have an epiphany and realise it’s just a game.
“Some losses are harder to take than others. You can lose and play well. If you are beaten by a better side, you can say fairdos. It’s when you do things wrong and lose, that it can be harder.”
It’s not just in a game where he likes to set the standards. Fellow teammate Dan Lydiate described Jones as ‘relentless’ in training with the second row the first to each drill and session.
“It’s just fun isn’t it?” said Jones.
“I did it back when I was playing for Swansea in the Premiership. It’s something I wanted to do.
“Without giving away my trade secrets, there’s an element of a bit of extra fitness as well. You get there first, you have a blow, you are ready, you recover before anyone else gets there.
“We have a laugh about it in training. It’s just a mentality thing.
“It’s like I try and get the car parking space in the front row so I don’t have to walk too far!
“The job we are in, you need to be competitive. I wear my stripes on my sleeve and I am not afraid to show them in that regard. I suppose it’s mind-set.”
On to Mr Angry. He has in the past been dubbed rugby’s angriest man by former team mate Ryan Jones. Whilst accepting some truths in the statement Jones believes its just a sign of his passion.
“The angriest man in Welsh rugby? That’s a bit harsh, I’ve changed,” he said.
“Somebody else referred to me as being grumpy, but I’m not that at all.
“You can be happy and angry or you can be grumpy and angry. I like to think I’m a happy angry person, if that makes sense.
“You come across a lot of people with a similar personality across all sports. It comes back to are you angry or are you competitive?
“Is it the same thing? Maybe it’s channelled in a different way.”
