Wales skipper Jones says Ireland believe their time has come

Ryan Jones says Wales will only think about beating Ireland by the 13 points that would win the Six Nations title in the latter stages of Saturday's game.

The Wales captain says such a winning margin in Cardiff is not insurmountable, adding: "Thirteen points is not an issue at this stage.

"Thirteen points becomes an issue when we get to 65-70 minutes and there are decisions to be made."

Jones also defended Wales' kicking game, but admits it can improve.

He added: "We've got to go into the game with the mindset of making sure we get what we're doing right, make sure we're in contention or points ahead as the game comes to a close.

"That's when your decisions become important - your shots at goal, your kicks to touch.

Kicking a huge part of game says Jones

"You're hoping for a referee decision to go your way. You're hoping for a moment of brilliance."

Jones says winning the title would confirm Wales' growing Test-match maturity, their kicking game must be addressed and that mastering the art is crucial.

"It's become a game of inches and we're trying to gain those advantages, gain that territorial advantage with a kicking game," said Jones.

"Everyone seems to be raising their game against us.

"Teams are gunning for us and to win it this year I think would show that we really have grown up as a team because we've ground out some results that arguably we shouldn't have."

Jones says Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara can be relied upon to use his boot to good effect and hopes Wales' kickers can better his efforts.

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"Possession and territory is going to be key this weekend," said Jones. "They are playing with Ronan O'Gara, probably one of the world's most experienced 10s at international level at the moment, who's got a kicking game to die for, really.

"And they are going to look to go from set-piece to set-piece, pinning us back in our own half and we've got to make sure we overcome that and hopefully Byrney (Lee Byrne) and Gav (Gavin Henson) will be putting the ball back with interest on it.

"We've got to get the ball in people like Gav and Shanks (Tom Shanklin) and Shane's (Williams) hands as well so it's finding that balance, isn't it?

"There's a time and a place where we can put leather on the ball, but there's a time and place where we've got to have vision and play what's in front of us."

Jones says Ireland will want revenge at seeing Wales beat them to claim the Grand Slam in Cardiff in 2005.

"I think they feel it's their time," said Jones. "They certainly owe us one from four years ago.

"That's part and parcel of it. That's what makes it a very special occasion.

"It's Test rugby because emotionally it's going to be tough. Psychologically and physically it will be extremely hard."

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