Jones started in the 2005 Grand Slam team before injury forced him out

Wales flanker Dafydd Jones wants to make the most of his comeback against world champions South Africa more than two years after his last appearance.

The Scarlets forward wins his 30th cap at Bloemfontein on Saturday after last appearing as a replacement in 2006.

But after a return to form at the end of the season coach Warren Gatland has rewarded the 28-year-old with a shock recall as openside flanker.

"I want to make the most of it," said Jones about his return to the side.

The Llanelli star was ever-present for Wales in 2003 and 2004 and part of the 2005 Grand Slam winning team after playing in the 11-9 win against England.

However, an injury forced him to miss the rest of the after which his last appearance for his country came as a replacement against France in 2006.

"I always felt I was good enough to return and over the last six weeks of the season I felt my form coming back and it's surprising how quick things can turn around," explained the 6ft 3ins flanker.

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"It's been frustrating over the last couple of years but saying that, I've worked hard, and I'm just grateful for this opportunity I've got coming Saturday.

"I never gave up hope of getting back into the Welsh side and I'm delighted to be given the chance of coming up against the world champions."

Gatland has chosen Jones to play in an unfamiliar openside role alongside blindside Jonathan Thomas and number 8 Ryan Jones in the back row for the first test.

He said the match offers Jones a "great opportunity" to "deliver for Wales again" and has teamed him up with Thomas in the hope that the pair's speed and footballing skills will help his Grand Slam team outsmart the World Cup winners.

Jones admits he hasn't had a massive amount of experience appearing in the number seven shirt as he usually plays blindside for Llanelli but says he is comfortable with the idea of playing out of position.

'No problems'

"I'm comfortable enough with it," he said. "I have played at openside before so it's not as if I am a complete stranger to the position.

"But at Llanelli we play left and right, so I'm familiar enough with it so there are no dramas there.

"We've trained over the last two or three weeks and I'm comfortable enough and confidence-wise - no problems there.

"We've got a good squad here full stop and everyone's worked hard. The preparation's been outstanding so far, so everything's in place for Saturday.

"They're a formidable side but saying that we're confident as well and it's a big challenge for us and we're looking forward to it."

Former Wales and Scarlets great Scott Quinnell shares Jones' confidence and has no qualms him playing in the unfamiliar role Gatland has assigned him.

"He's adaptable and can play across all three back row positions so I see no problem Dafydd playing at openside," said Quinnell.

"He's worked extremely hard to get back where he was a few years ago and the rewards have come for him."