 Jones has been given a late introduction to international rugby |
Coach Gareth Jenkins says Ceri Jones has been given a great chance to force himself into Wales's World Cup plans. Jones will make his first Wales start on Saturday against Australia after tight-head Adam Jones was ruled of the Brisbane Test with a calf injury.
"I don't see it as putting pressure on Ceri. I see it as an opportunity for him," Jenkins told BBC Wales Sport.
"Although he's usually a loose-head, he's got experience as tight-head so I'm very comfortable to go with him."
Harlequins man Jones made his Wales debut in last Saturday's 29-23 defeat by Australia in Sydney, coming on for the final 10 minutes as a replacement for Iestyn Thomas.
But the 29-year-old will find himself on the other side of the scrum on Saturday as injuries to Adam Jones (calf) and Jamie Corsi (back) left Wales without a specialist tight-head prop.
 | If things aren't working with Ceri, we've got the experience of Chris's scrummaging to fall back on Wales coach Gareth Jenkins |
Jenkins admitted the late selection change was a "disrupting and disjointing", but said he had no hesitation in throwing Jones in at the deep end.
"It's not only a scrummaging role, it's a lineout role and he's been a part of the game-plan we've worked on out here," said Jenkins.
Jones spent most of the 2004-05 season playing at tight-head, facing the renowned scrumming powers of Munster and Castres in the Heineken Cup.
He said he has no qualms about taking up the role again on Saturday against an Australian pack which, he said, showed signs of weakness last weekend.
"It's a huge opportunity for me and I want to show people what I can do," said Jones.
"I feel for the boys who have gone down injured, but it's fantastic for me and an opportunity I thought might have passed me by."
Such is the depth of Wales's front-row injury problems, Chris Horsman has been summoned from Wales to join the squad in Brisbane for the final Test of the short tour.
The Worcester tight-head, expected to arrive on Friday morning, will be the only replacement prop on the bench.
"I was really pleased with his response when we called him," revealed Jenkins.
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"It was about seven o'clock in the morning and he was ready to put his bag on his shoulder there and then to get on a plane. That was great.
"So if things aren't working with Ceri, at least we've got the experience of Chris's scrummaging to fall back on."
As a precaution against any problems with Horsman's arrival, Wales have invited Cardiff Blues prop Scott Roberts to train with the squad.
Roberts, 22, was already in Australia, visiting friends at West Rugby Club in Canberra, where he played last summer.
Australia could be forced to make a late change of their own, with fitness doubts still surrounding Stephen Larkham.
The fly-half has yet to complete a training session this week because of the hamstring strain that ruled him out of the first Test.
"There is plenty of drama around both camps at the moment," said Jenkins.
"It's the way the game is. If Larkham gets there and does play, he will be a big plus for them.
"If he doesn't they have got selection options and I'm sure they will be pretty comfortable with them. It's a call they're going to have to make."
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