Lions outside half Stephen Jones today acclaimed All Blacks assistant coach Steve Hansen for the "huge influence" he had on his career.

Jones, who helped Wales clinch a Six Nations Grand Slam, reaches the rugby summit when he runs out for the Lions against New Zealand in tomorrow's first Test at Jade Stadium.

And while the 27-year-old desperately wants a winning start to the three-Test series, he readily acknowledges former Wales boss Hansen's role in allowing him such an opportunity.

"Graham (Henry) was the first coach who really picked me, but I played more under Steve Hansen because Neil Jenkins played mostly during Graham's reign," said Jones.

"Steve was very honest from the start. He made things clear, he's quite straight, and he had a huge influence. "We were a million miles away. We had success under Graham with a 10-game winning streak, but after that we came off things.

"A lot of senior players retired, and suddenly we were just left there. Steve made things clear to us regarding our fitness standards, our training, our working week and the way we lived.

"Suddenly he just opened our minds. We had to get our backsides in gear to improve and he brought with him Andrew Hore (fitness coach) and Scott Johnson (skills coach), which was superb.

"I would be delighted if we could win on Saturday, but I owe Steve a lot and I respect him for everything he did for me and Welsh rugby."

Jones and half back partner Dwayne Peel clinched their Test places by spearheading Wales' stunning second half revival against France.

But now he has been handed the keys to number 10, Jones knows he must deliver as part of the Lions' midfield trio alongside Jonny Wilkinson and skipper Brian O'Driscoll.

"I've got so much faith in the players around me. There's so much talent there and there will be a lot of talking and input into the decision-making, so a lot of pressure is taken off.

"It's a high pressure situation, and for me and the majority of players it is going to be the biggest game of our lives. But we must react under pressure and focus on the job in hand, which is to play rugby."