Jones leads from the front

Words will not be required. The team bus will drive past tens of thousands of supporters who are expected to flood into Cardiff, just as they did on this weekend three years ago.

"I don't prepare speeches, because you've got to judge the mood. When I speak it's not planned, it's more from the heart, off the cuff, instinctive," said Jones. "I don't think this is a day for words, it's a day for actions. No words can get us through, we just have to make sure we're physically and mentally ready."

He added: "We have set our sights high and we're on the verge of a special achievement. It's never going to be a case of motivating guys at a time like this.

"There is no point shouting and screaming and bouncing off the walls, because that won't do anyone any good. You have to keep a certain composure and focus, so that you can be clinical."

Coaches Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards have taken most of the credit for transforming Welsh rugby, which hit rock bottom after Fiji sent them crashing out of the World Cup.

But their captain has played a significant role. Jones came into the tournament with just a handful of matches under his belt after a shoulder injury kept him out for the best part of a year.

Last weekend Jones lifted the Triple Crown trophy after a huge individual performance in Wales' 16-12 victory over Ireland at Croke Park.

This week he has been shortlisted for the RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament.

"It is important I try and lead from the front because I want the respect and admiration of my peers. That is the biggest accolade you can get as a captain," said Jones. "Last week was probably my most complete performance. I came off with my head held high. I had given everything."