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Last Updated: Saturday, 18 June, 2005, 13:05 GMT 14:05 UK
Jones revels in dream Lions debut
Ryan Jones
Ryan Jones admitted it was a dream come true after a man of the match display in the Lions' 30-19 win over Otago in Dunedin on Saturday.

Jones only teamed up with the tourists this week after replacing the injured Simon Taylor.

"A week ago, I wasn't here, so this is a dream come true - a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Jones.

"I just wanted to give it 110%. Clive asked me to do a job, and I just went out there and played."

Jones' superb performance at the base of the scrum was capped by a second-half try.

And he admitted it had been a surreal experience having initially been in Canada on tour with the Welsh national side before his late call-up.

My goal this season was just to get into the Ospreys regional team, so it's hard to put into words, really
Ryan Jones
"I was in my hotel room in Toronto when the call came and, first of all, I thought it was one of the other boys taking the mickey," he said.

"And then, coming here on the plane, I sat there thinking it was all quite daunting going out to be with so many seasoned international players, guys that I have always admired.

"But they've all been a massive help and they were great again today, helping me through it."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry earlier this week said the 24-year-old "could be a very special player".

And Jones' starring role on Saturday marked a remarkable season for the Newport-born player, who moved from the Celtic Warriors to the Ospreys last summer.

After becoming a regular in the Ospreys first team, he won his first Wales cap against South Africa last autumn.

An injury to Dafydd Jones then opened the way for him to play a major role for Wales in their Grand Slam campaign, and he also impressed in Wales' 77-3 win over the USA last week.

"I only started my Test career last November, and having won a Grand Slam with Wales, it wouldn't have been a bad season had it just ended there," said Jones. "But this is incredible.

"My goal this season was just to get into the Ospreys regional team, so it's hard to put into words, really. You really crave the respect of these players, and to get a Lions shirt is magnificent."



SEE ALSO
Pick your Lions XV
24 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Lions tour venue guides
18 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Early history of the Lions
18 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
Fixture list for Lions tour to NZ
08 Apr 05 |  Lions in NZ
Lions player profiles
25 May 05 |  Lions in NZ
All Blacks player profiles
25 May 05 |  Lions in NZ


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