Jones: Frustrating waiting game

The Scarlets fly-half will make his 101st Test appearance, breaking the record he jointly held with Wales' 2007 World Cup captain Gareth Thomas.

It is a feat that Jones, who made his Test debut in a record 96-13 defeat against South Africa 13 years ago, should have accomplished early last month.

But he damaged his calf muscle just minutes before the kick-off of Wales' opening World Cup warm-up fixture against England at Twickenham - then did it again a fortnight later.

The 33-year-old, though, has now been recalled by Wales coach Warren Gatland for Monday's Pool D game against Namibia at Stadium Taranaki, when the record will finally be his.

"It has been quite tough, just purely from not having really been involved with the team that much," Jones said.

"But the last couple of weeks have been great being integrated back with the squad and to take part in the normal schedule.

"It (the injury) was frustrating. For it to happen just five minutes before the England game was a blow.

"And having thought I had recovered and completed a week's training prior to the Argentina game, literally with the last ball I kicked in the captain's run on the Friday, to re-tear the calf was another blow.

"But the medical staff were brilliant regarding the rehab programme. They just made sure they ticked every box, and the process was as thorough as could be to make sure I was right."

Jones' enthusiasm remains as infectious now as when he first emerged on the international scene all those years ago.

"It is a World Cup, and it's exciting times as a player," he added.

"Whatever your age, it's the best, and you want to be a part of it.

"We've made a good start. It was frustrating to not get a win in the first game (against South Africa), but we are in a good place and what is important is that we keep our momentum building.

"There is a good vibe in the squad. Everyone has worked hard and put a lot of effort in, and hopefully we will get the reward.

"It has been intense, and when you work hard, you want reward. We got the reward against Samoa, and it is about making sure that continues for the next games.

"I am looking forward to the day and looking forward to playing some rugby. I am excited by that."

Gatland, meanwhile, hailed Jones' landmark Wales appearance as "a great achievement".

He said: "From my point of view, it's great to see a player who will be winning his 101st cap who is a little bit edgy, a bit nervous, going into this game knowing how important his performance is.

"It's having a good positive impact on the players around him because he has been very motivated, leading well and speaking well during training this week.

"It is a great achievement by Stephen.

"It's a position at the moment - with the experience of Stephen, the good job Rhys Priestland has done and hopefully in a couple of weeks, if James (Hook) recovers from injury, he might be in contention hopefully for the quarter-finals - where there is a bit of depth."