LIONS and Grand Slam hero Ryan Jones should be in the starting line-up for tomorrow's test against the All Blacks, says his former sports teacher.

Marc Batten, part of the Bassaleg School team who encouraged Ryan, now 24, to take up rugby, said he is sure Ryan will do his best if he makes it off the subs bench.

Head of sports Mr Batten said: "He should be in the starting line-up, but if they get him on the pitch, then he'll make his mark."

And he sent a message to his former pupil: "The school will be hoping for a repeat performance of last Saturday. We're all behind you, Ryan."

Back-row Ryan became the talk of New Zealand following his man-of-the-match display in last Saturday's 30-19 win over Otago in Dunedin.

Liond coach Sir Clive Woodward, who is not often lost for words, admitted Ryan, who launched wave after wave of attacks, delayed Otago getting quick ball and scored a fine try, left him speechless with his performance.

Ryan earned praise from former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains.

"He looked a different class to anyone else I've seen on the tour," said Mains.

Ryan went to Bassaleg School from the age of 11 to 18.

Mr Batten said: "When Ryan came here he wanted to get into tennis or football. We thought he'd make a great rugby player, though, so gently pushed him in that direction and he has proved to be one of the best players I have ever seen."

Mr Batten believes Osprey Ryan has the potential to go right to the top.

He said: "Ryan's a smashing lad who has worked hard and deserves his success. I was very proud of him on Saturday. He gave 100 per cent and you can't ask for anything more. I expect everyone in the school was watching him and cheering him on."

Ryan came into the school for a rugby presentation just before he left to go on the Wales tour to North America.

From there, Ryan got the call-up to fly to New Zealand when Scotsman Simon Taylor suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Mr Batten said: "Ryan hasn't let fame get to his head and is a really unassuming lad. The students were impressed by his attitude."

After meeting Ryan, the pupils have been hoping to emulate his success.

"We've noticed they are really trying hard to do well now. Ryan inspired them to work hard and try to become like him," said Mr Batten.

"Ryan is a credit to the school and we are all proud of him. Having met him the students are backing him to do well on Saturday.

"They'll all be watching the match, and so will I."

NEIGHBOURS URGE HERO TO MAKE HIS MARK

RYAN'S family home is in the High Cross area of Newport, and his neighbours plan to cheer him on tomorrow.

Ken Ford has lived in the area for many years and remembers Ryan as a young boy.

He said: "Ryan's family are well known around here, and they are all very nice people. Ryan has always been a lovely boy, very polite and friendly. If you ever meet him in the street he's happy to say hello.

"I'm glad he's doing so well, it couldn't have happened to a nicer lad."

Mr Ford thinks Ryan's performance last Saturday was very impressive.

"He had a fantastic match," he said.

"Ryan was the man of the match and that really says it all. I thought he was incredible and had a phenomenal game. I can't wait for the next one."

Mr Ford doesn't think Ryan should be starting on the bench on Saturday.

"I think Clive Woodward is torn between using his old and trusted players, and testing a young one he doesn't know so well. He shouldn't be sticking with the safe option, though, and should go with the best."

If Ryan gets onto the pitch this Saturday he'll have Mr Ford watching his every move. "I'll be cheering him," he said.

And Mr Ford sent Ryan a message, saying: "Best of luck to you, Ryan, I hope you do get on the pitch so you can make your mark."

Geff Ali is an assistant at 14 Locks, Ryan's local shop in High Cross.

He agrees with Mr Ford that Ryan should not be a sub.

He said: "The manager has made a mistake not picking him to start out in the next match, but I'm sure he'll soon realise that and put him on the field. Ryan has done well."