AUCKLAND, 1 June 2005 — Wales fly-half Stephen Jones arrived in New Zealand yesterday to join the British and Irish Lions ready to stake a claim for a Test spot against Jonny Wilkinson. Having helped his French club side Clermont Auvergne secure a Heineken Cup European club championship spot next season, the Grand Slam winner now has New Zealand in his sights.
And despite the resurgence of World Cup-winning England fly-half Wilkinson, who starred in the Lions’ 25-25 draw with Argentina, Jones is confident he has just as much chance of playing in the first Test against the All Blacks on June 25 if his form merits selection.
“It’s great to finally arrive in New Zealand, and now I’m just looking forward to playing some rugby out here in the next couple of days,” he said.
“All the No.10s in the squad are fit and available now and Sir Clive can pick from strength. I’m sure whoever makes the most of their opportunities will get the Test jersey, and rightly so.
“Everyone has the same mindset to play in the Tests, and there is just so much competition because we all want to play in them.
“Jonny Wilkinson’s inclusion didn’t come as a surprise to me because he is such a world class player with fantastic ability, but it is not just head to head between us.
“All of us have the same goals and we want to be part of a successful Lions side. But whoever doesn’t play in the Tests will support the guys who do 100 percent, that is what our team spirit is about.”
