But after replacing Cardiff lock Deiniol Jones in the 58th minute, the Ospreys man impressed against the world champions, crossing in the dying minutes to maintain his side’s slim hopes of victory.

And as Wales prepare to fly to New Zealand for their two-Test tour against the All-Blacks, Jones admitted he was desperate to resume his position ahead of Jones and Bradley Davies in the pecking order.

“It’s not a good a experience being on the bench and I don’t want to get used to it,” said Jones. “But then you have to look at the quality of player playing in the position and it’s the way it is.

“Hopefully, I put my hand up for selection, but it’s not a nice experience being on the bench and I don’t want to be there.
“If I have to be there for a few games so be it, but I don’t want to be there for the foreseeable future.

“I am very lucky because I have had more than 24 months of international rugby and it does catch up with you.”