Jones relishing crunch clash - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Jones relishing crunch clash

Wales fly-half Stephen Jones insists he will not be thinking about pressure in Saturday's RBS 6 Nations title showdown against Ireland.

There is so much at stake - a first Six Nations title, first Grand Slam since 1948 and the Triple Crown for Ireland, while Wales can defend their title and also take Triple Crown honours.

"If you can't get excited about this game, you might as well give up," said Scarlets star Jones. "I don't think of there being any pressure. It's just going to be a fantastic game and there is a huge buzz."

Jones and opposite number Ronan O'Gara have amassed 859 points in Six Nations rugby between them, with O'Gara last week overtaking Jonny Wilkinson as the tournament's all-time top scorer.

Munster star O'Gara is now only eight points short of clocking up 500 in the Six Nations - and Jones does not need reminding of his threat.

"Ronan O'Gara? Just look at his statistics and record for Munster and Ireland - that tells you all you need to know about the man," added Jones.

"He rarely has a poor match and, if he does, he always bounces right back.

"He complements the Ireland pack so well. He is a vital player for them and we have to put pressure on him.

"Looking at the Ireland side and the selection of Tomas O'Leary at scrum-half, I think they will be direct and try to dictate through their pack. They are very good up front, very strong.

"We have got to look to up the tempo and we will try to move the ball wide, but kicking is also an important part of our game as well. It's about variety and getting the balance right."

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