Wales leader Ryan calls for passion to beat the old enemy

A handful of assured performances on TV were enough to convince the women of the Principality to vote for the shaggy-haired No 8 from Newport, back when he was injured and working as a part-time rugby pundit.

But as recently as last month he was not earning rave reviews in his day job and, having just returned to action after missing the World Cup with a shoulder injury, 26-year-old Jones was regarded as a long shot to become the new Wales captain.

A handful of assured performances on TV were not enough to convince the people of Wales to vote for him. Other Ospreys such as Jonathan Thomas and Alun-Wyn Jones were enjoying the popular support on radio phone-ins, in newspapers and online.

Ryan's friends were giving him plenty of stick so no wonder he enjoyed having the last laugh. When Warren Gatland called to ask if he wanted to lead Wales into a brave new world, the conversation was brief but it changed Jones' life.

He said: 'I was surprised to get the job because I kept coming bottom in various media polls, which my mates took great delight in telling me. My first goal was to get into the team but then the call from Warren came.

'Within three seconds I'd said yes, had put the phone down and was dancing round the room. A few of my mates received a few short, rude texts from me quite soon after that!'

While the 'Sexiest Man' accolade has seen Jones subjected to endless light-hearted abuse, he knows that to step out of line as Wales captain is to invite a torrent of genuine vitriol. He rightly regards the job as something akin to a precious artefact — to be handled with care. In that sense, the former apprentice Bristol City goalkeeper should have a safe enough pair of hands.

'There is arguably no bigger job in Wales than being Welsh rugby captain, that is how important it is,' he said. 'What little private life I have isn't mine any more. With this role you become public property and people in Wales are not afraid of expressing an opinion.

'You've got to be careful how you behave because you're in a privileged position. You accept that when you accept the role. I know I can't come crawling out of pubs or clubs drunk at 2am.

'Public perception is important so I have to conduct myself in the right way and give 100 per cent in everything I do. Hopefully, people will respect me for that and maybe leave me alone sometimes!'

That's the ethics taken care of, but what about the performances? Gatland wants to see more of the barnstorming talisman whose ball-carrying was a feature of the Grand Slam triumph in 2005 and who offered a speck of light amid the gloom of the Lions whitewash in New Zealand a few months later.

Jones admits to being a laid-back character who will have to learn the art of leadership. But he is ertainly being thrown in at the deep end tomorrow — an RBS Six Nations showdown with World Cup finalists England at Twickenham where Wales have not won for 20 years.

Thoroughly modern and professional he may be, but Jones is still a Welshman with a belly full of passion for this particular fixture.

'This game's about bragging rights, isn't it?' he said. 'There is no bigger motivation than playing against the old enemy at Twickenham. England and France are always seen as the favourites each year. But only one is the old enemy. It would be daft not to use that history and passion but we still need cool heads out there.

'I have never played against England at Twickenham so for me it will be a new experience. Winning there would be a dream start as captain.'

Jones is delighted to have Martyn Williams out of retirement and ready to rejoin him in the back row. In a team containing 13 Ospreys, he is glad to see Henson back on song and Shane Williams dazzling as only he can. But he is most encouraged by the form of the front-five forwards — Duncan and Adam Jones, Huw Bennett, Ian Gough and Alun-Wyn Jones.

When Gloucester were ground into the Swansea turf last month, it fuelled hopes the Wales pack can do the same to England's heavyweight eight at Twickenham. 'Physically, I think we are a match for anyone,' Jones said. 'It's just about getting that winning mentality.'