IT’S time for Wales to stop being one-dimensional and play with greater variety, admits Stephen Jones who becomes his country’s most capped international against England tomorrow.
The Scarlets outside-half will overtake the record he shares with Gareth Thomas after being selected to start at Twickenham.
He wins his 101st cap in a career which has included the highs of the 2005 and 2008 Grand Slam triumphs.
But times have been leaner of late with Wales being increasingly criticised for a predictable game plan and Jones admits they must be smarter in their approach.
Pundits have highlighted Wales’ recent lacklustre attacking play, yielding just half a dozen tries in their last five Six Nations matches.
On being asked what Wales have to do to improve, Jones, 33, said: “I think we’ve got to have a lot of variety in our game. We can’t be one dimensional in the way we play.
“I think we’ve got to be clever. We’ve got to play to our strengths a lot better. We’ve got to manipulate the defence and get our good runners into the game in a mis-match scenario.
“We need people like Shane Williams to use his talents against front five forwards so we’ve got our higher numbers running against their low numbers.”
Jones, who won his first cap in the infamous 96-13 drubbing against the Springboks in Pretoria 13 years ago, said it’s crucial Wales get back to winning ways this weekend after successive defeats to France and the Barbarians.
“We realise the importance of this match,” he said.
“(Captain) Sam Warburton has spoken very well about how it’s all about winning. That what it is. Momentum is key.
“In the last game of the Six Nations, we didn’t perform that well against France. The Barbarians game, we let it slip at the end. We need to get back to winning ways.
“Every player realises what’s at stake – World Cup selection and playing for your country, which is a massive honour.”
On becoming the most capped player in Welsh rugby’s 131-year history, Jones said: “I had no idea (I would reach 101 caps) after winning my first. It’s as simple as that. My first cap was way back in 1998.
“I’ve enjoyed being part of the Welsh set-up.
“Over the years I’ve worked with so many great people, great coaches and great players.”
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