RYAN JONES admits he's had an incredible year - but it could get even better yet. The Newport-born back-row is the talk of New Zealand following his man-of-the-match display in Saturday's 30-19 win over Otago in Dunedin.

Kiwi newspapers and TV rugby pundits hailed his show and team-mates were quick to lavish praise. Sir Clive Woodward - not often lost for words - admitted Jones, who launched wave after wave of attacks, delayed Otago getting quick ball and scored a fine try, left him speechless with his performance.

He even earned praise from former All Blacks coach Laurie Mains - who has had little positive to say about Woodward's tourists since they touched down in Auckland.

"He looked a different class to anyone else I've seen on the tour," said Mains. "On that performance he should go straight into the Test team but Woodward won't do that. He'll stay safe and pick his English boys."

Woodward is almost certain to pick an all-English back row of Richard Hill, Martin Corry and Neil Back for the first Test in Christchurch but Jones, who can play flanker or number eight, is a versatile replacement.

And with Wales captain Michael Owen relegated to captaining the midweek side in Invercargill, he seems primed to take his chance after he was selected to train with the first choice team in Christchurch rather than face Southland tomorrow.

"He was unlucky to miss out on the squad in the first place but I'm very happy we've got him now," said Woodward.

"He has earned his chance. I always said that players could play themselves into contention and I wanted to pick guys in form.

"He was immense against Otago, he coped brilliantly with the pressure and had a fantastic game." Jones (pictured above) paid credit to Welsh back-row colleague Martyn Williams for helping him settle into the team following his late arrival last week.

Williams arrived in New Zealand being talked about as a favourite to start the Tests but now he finds himself temporarily out of contention while Jones is the talk of the town.

"It's always nice to see a friendly face like Martyn and there's a bit of continuity there as well. That was a massive help," he added.

"Without that help this week I couldn't have performed anywhere near like I did. I was panicking about some things - I wondered if things would happen a bit quick for me because I wasn't up to speed.

"The boys have been great all week, helping me settle in. It helped me go out and play. I was able to slot in "I've always been told that if you're good enough, you'll make it.

"Getting in a club team was my goal for this year. Not getting ahead of myself - that was my biggest aim. "Although I've been on the tour a few days, I only feel like a Lion now. Now I can look the guys in the eye because I've experienced what they've gone through.

"You turn up, get your kit, nice hotel room - but now I've put a bit back into it. I can look around and hopefully get some respect from my peers."