The RBS 6 Nations champions have played more than 20 Tests since that quarter-final defeat in Brisbane.

But Llanelli Scarlets wing Jones has had other battles to overcome - fighting back from reconstructive surgery on both knees.

The law of averages dictates 26-year-old Jones playing career should have ended at an unfair age; instead his patience, resilience and sheer desire have reaped their reward.

On Saturday, he will run out at Twickenham for a first international appearance in more than two years after refusing to accept during the darkest days of a prolonged fitness fight that he might be finished.

Jones resolve did not even snap when, making his comeback from the first knee operation in a club match for Welsh Premiership side Carmarthen Quins, he ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments in the other knee.

That was the lowest point, he said.

I had worked so hard to come back from the first injury, and for that to happen was really cruel.

But I had got stubborn by then. I thought Id be damned if Im going to give up now after the previous 12 months.

It would have been a bit of a cowards way out to hang up my boots, so I just dug in - and it has paid off.

I wont say I was positive every day. I had some days when I was down and really didnt feel like going to do stuff - but through the help of friends and family, you soon wise up.

They give you a clip round the ear and tell you to think positive and get on with it. I will always be grateful to the people who helped me through it.

Jones will relaunch his Wales career opposite the same England star it threatened to finish against - Northamptons World Cup wing Ben Cohen - this weekend.

He is just four months down the latest comeback trail, but a blistering solo try during Llanellis European Cup victory over Wasps in December confirmed 16 times-capped Jones rapid return to top form.

If someone had said Id be playing for Wales again within four months I wouldnt have believed them, he said.

My big concern was whether I was going to come back as quickly as before, because playing on the wing thats the key ingredient. Youve got to be able to run fast, but all the speed tests are indicating I am doing better than before.

I have surprised myself. My aim was to come back as quick and as strong as I was before. But the tests are showing that Ive improved, so Ive exceeded my wildest dreams and I am really pleased.

That try against Wasps was a huge factor. When I went through the gap Im sure everyone was wondering whether I still had it in me to finish those situations.

For me, that was a huge confidence boost to know I could still cause a side like Wasps problems.