Wales are in pole position to take the title and Jones knows the key to success lies in Mike Ruddocks men holding their nerve to reproduce the rugby that has earned them four victories.

History suggests Wales could struggle to make it five with Ireland boasting a 22-year unbeaten record in Cardiff.

But fly-half Jones, while acknowledging this Wales side has not been on the brink of glory before, insists the players are determined to deliver on the day.

Its a new situation for us as a team. But weve given ourselves a great opportunity, said Jones.

There is going to be a lot of hype before the game, and its up to us how we are going to cope as individuals to make sure our rugby wont be affected.

You havent got much chance of escaping the hype, but its just great that we are in this situation.

Jones has great respect for the Irish but insists Wales will concentrate on their own game rather than worry about Brian ODriscoll and co.

The Irish are a very good side. They have a very experienced team with great individual talent, so we realise it is a huge challenge for us, Jones said.

What we must do, as soon as we can, is get into the style of play we want to play.

All we can do is focus on our game, and not worry about what the Irish are going to do. We will want to keep the ball, go through the phases and try and play.

In terms of a sub-plot, what better than a battle for bragging rights between Jones and his former Llanelli Scarlets team-mate, Ireland flanker Simon Easterby?

Jones will be on best man duty at Easterbys wedding in July, and he added: It will be a bit strange, because he will be in my face all game on Saturday, I know that.

I got a text message off him after the game in Scotland last weekend reminding me Im best man at his wedding.

Hes a great guy, but you get engrossed in the game really, and you forget about who youre playing against.

The wedding, on July 30, will be a good day. As long as we win on Saturday, Ill be a happy man. If we lose, I might just sit down in the corner and say nothing!