Wales had already beaten England and Italy in this year's RBS 6 Nations, but to nail a major scalp away from home indicated to Jones that this side have finally emerged from the shadow of 2003.

Two years ago Wales failed to win a single Six Nations game. In 2002 they had managed only a win over Italy in what was a dark time for Welsh rugby.

But amidst all the gloom and doom, Steve Hansen, then Wales coach, was working hard to ensure the long-term future of the side was bright. That work, which has been continued by Mike Ruddock, is now bearing fruit.

''Two years ago this Wales side didn't win a game. It is the same nucleus of players and it is only through hard work we have improved. To win three out of three makes me a very happy man,'' said Jones.

''When you play a Six Nations and don't win a game it hurts. When you play for your country it's the greatest honour but with that is responsibility.

''When you don't win a game you feel bitterly disappointed. But we have worked extremely hard and come out the other end now.

''It is a big step forward for us.''

The signs of improvement had been there for over a year. Wales threatened without quite delivering at the World Cup, and then again in November when they lost to South Africa by two points and New Zealand by one.

The breakthrough finally came against England in Cardiff, which they followed up with a comprehensive win over Italy in Rome before the stunning win in Paris on Sunday.

''At the start of the Six Nations everybody spoke to us about getting result against big nations and we have beaten England and France now,'' said Jones.

''In November the performances were very good but we didn't get the results. Now to get those results is a great relief.''