Jones says his knee injury is improving "day-by-day"

Jones suffered a medial ligament injury against Australia on Saturday, but revealed his knee is responding well to treatment at the squad's training base.

"I struggled to walk Sunday morning, but I'm absolutely delighted with the way it's recovered so far," said Jones.

"I'm in a fortunate position where I've got access to a physio five times a day and that makes a huge difference."

The initial prognosis of a two-to-three lay-off for Jones still remains, ruling the fly-half out of Saturday's Test with the Pacific Islands and Canada's visit the following Friday.

Wales' medical staff are reluctant to give Jones a concrete return date, but the 28-year-old is confident he will be fit to face the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium in the November series finale.

"The way the knee is responding to the treatment at the moment is great from my perspective, but one thing our physio won't do is to commit on a time," said Jones.

We're in a very healthy and fortunate situation in that we've got a very competitive squad Wales captain Stephen Jones

"I understand why he does that because if he commits on a time and I can't make it then I'll hold him to that.

"But from my own personal perspective, I'm very optimistic."

Jones has captained Wales once before, in a World Cup warm-up, but the match with Australia was the first in his tenure as the new Wales captain.

"It was frustrating to get the bump early on, I tried to stay on the pitch but knew the knee was no good," Jones added.

"We started the game like a team that hasn't been together for a while; we've only had three days' preparation, although the preparation has been particularly good.

"The Australians came out of the blocks and put us under pressure, but what's great is the character of our side and the self-belief and we had faith in our game plan."

James Hook, the 21-year-old Osprey, replaced Jones and produced a fine display in his first Test match on home soil, kicking all his points and looking in control after Jones' departure.

"I thought he was outstanding; he kicked the pressure kicks, he controlled the game very well and I'm delighted for him," Jones said.

Hook is now likely to start next Saturday's international against the Pacific Islands. although Wales coach Gareth Jenkins may wish to give an opportunity to Newport Gwent Dragons stand-off Ceri Sweeney.

"We're in a very healthy and fortunate situation in that we've got a very competitive squad," Jones added.

"I know Gareth is looking to build to the World Cup and I'd imagine that most of the guys in the squad will have an opportunity in this November campaign."