News

Ryan Jones shelves history books

November 26 2008

Wales captain Ryan Jones insists the history books have no bearing on Saturday's November Test finale against Australia in Cardiff.

Although Wales' overall record is abysmal when it comes to Tri-Nations opposition during the professional era - played 33, won two - the Wallabies have occasionally offered them a glimmer of hope.

Wales toppled Australia 24-22 at the Millennium Stadium three years ago, then held them to a 29-29 draw 12 months later before losing the next three meetings in Sydney, Brisbane and Cardiff.

And Australia appear in the mood to continue that sequence, having beaten England, France and Italy on their current European tour.

"I am not a big believer in past results - they are not going to have an effect on Saturday afternoon," said Jones, reflecting on Wales' recent relative success in the fixture.

"It is going to be another tough day at the office.

"It will be 22 guys going out there with the last throw of the dice for the autumn. We expect everyone to front-up, like they have done."

Wales' November Tests to date are a painful story of what might have been.

Forgetting a routine victory over Canada, Wales produced storming displays for half a game against South Africa and then New Zealand, but lost on each occasion.

"We are certainly progressing and developing," added Jones.

"If we can marry our first half against the All Blacks with our second half against South Africa, we will be right up there.

"That's the aim now, isn't it? We performed admirably for 40 minutes against New Zealand, but we need to start really squeezing these teams for 80 minutes."